Born in New Basford on 14 September 1885, Charles Cecil James was a useful right-hand bat, good outfield and right-arm medium-pace bowler. He joined the Notts ground staff in 1904 and commenced his First-Class career in 1906, his debut being for Notts v the West Indians on 13, 14 and 15 August. James remained on the Trent Bridge staff until the close of the 1910 season. During his last two seasons with the County he played in many Second Eleven fixtures and in 1909 was particularly successful, scoring 172 v Cheshire at Trent Bridge and 50 not out and 90 v Yorkshire Second Eleven at Trent Bridge. After a gap of 11 years he reappeared for Notts v Sussex at Hove in June 1921, this being the last of his 20 First-Class matches in which he scored 355 runs @11.45 with a top score of 43 v the South Africans at Trent Bridge in 1907.
In 1911 he took an engagement with Beckworth Percy CC, Northumberland and represented Northumberland v India that year. The following season saw him appearing for Whitburn in the Durham Senior League and he remained there until the First World War. He also played for Boldon CC. James made some appearances for Sir Julien Cahn’s XI between 1924 and 1926 and was groundsman on the Loughborough Road ground in 1926. He originally employed by the lace curtain designer TI Birkin Ltd, but subsequently worked for the Nottingham Transport Corporation.
Charles James died aged 64 years on 28 July 1950 at Highbury Vale in Bulwell.
Charles James’ brother Lance, was also a good cricketer and was better known on the football field, making six League appearances for Notts County as a full back.
May 2020
Nottinghamshire First-Class Number: 295