Raced as a homebred by Joanna Beresford, King James won first time out as a two-year-old and continued to be a good earner throughout his racing career, taking the Sussex Turf H. at Delaware Park, hitting the board in stakes at Delaware and Monmouth, and performing far better in the Grade 3 Ben Ali at Keeneland (4th place) than his long odds suggested. From his 16 starts he finished in the money 10 times.

Retired at the age of five, King James spent his stud career at Lexington's Maplewood Farm siring warmbloods (and gaining the nickname “Elvis”). His progeny excelled as hunter-jumpers and three day eventers. At Maplewood's dispersal, this handsome and personable grandson of Liloy (who was also Wallenda's broodmare sire) came to Old Friends thanks to former owner John Weyl, Jr..

An affectionate and peaceable stallion, King James quickly settled in at Old Friends and enjoys winning everyone over with his beautiful face, tidy white anklets, and especially his kindness. His sire, Greinton, was a tenacious rival to Old Friends' Precisionist.