In 1973, while studying music theory and classical flute at the Conservatory of Panama, he met Roger Mitchell, a singer/songwriter living in South America. They formed a duo with Jose playing percussion, sax, flute, and vocals. Jose and Roger left Panama for San José Costa Rica, and after touring Central America for two years, they signed a recording contract with Dicesa. While living in Central America, José kept in touch with the music scene in the United States. In an effort to broaden his musical knowledge and experience, he decided to move to the USA in 1975.

While attending the University of Minnesota, he performed with the Jazz Ensemble and toured with Clark Terry, finishing with a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. During this time he also played with Eddie Daniels, Bob Brookmeyer and Art Pepper. After spending a year with Dave "Snaker" Ray of Kearner, Glover and Ray and performing with Bonnie Raitt, in 1978 he joined Willie and the Bees, an R&B band in the Twin Cities led by Willie Murphy. They recorded one of the first digital albums for Sound 80 Records called "Out of the Woods" with José writing "Let Me Be Your Friend" and co-writing "Stone Broke" with Murphy.

After leaving the Bees in 1980, José formed a Jazz Fusion/Dance band called Top Secret. He appeared on shows like Night Stage, Almost Live! KITN TV, KTWN Live! From Riverplace TV, and performed at Sweeney's until the group disbanded in 1986.

José worked with the Minneapolis-based reggae band Shangoya, writing horn arrangements, playing in the horn section and recording an album called "Red Pants Jam". In 1987 he joined Ipso Facto, touring the country with them for the next two years. In 1989 Ipso entered the Yamaha Soundcheck Band competition, winning the Best Band award in the United States. This created the opportunity to represent the U.S. at Band Explosion in Tokyo, Japan, where they competed against 22 bands from 23 countries around the world. They took First Place in Tokyo, winning the Platinum Prize and subsequently signed a recording contract with Sony/Epic Records. Ipso Facto went on to record four CDs and toured with UB40, Tracy Chapman, Third World, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Shabba Ranks, The Kinks, The Clash, and Richard Marx and many others.

In 1992, José formed another band under his own name opening shows for artists such as Jimmy Walker, Nipsy Russell, George Wallace, Larry Miller and performed with Paul Williams and Doc Severinsen.

In 1994, José as voted Best Brass/Reed Artist at the Minnesota Music Awards.

In early 1998, he joined Lorie Line & her Pop Chamber Orchestra playing World Percussion and toured the United States with her 'till the end of 2004. In the Fall of 2005 he joined an 18 city Tour of Turkey and Cypress performing with Blues and R&B artists Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson, Syl Johnson and Katherine Davis in The Efes Pilsen Blues Festival Turkey. The following year (2006) he also toured Russia and The Republic of Kazakhstan with Zora Young, John Primer and Syl Johnson.

José James continues to grace an eclectic mix of adds for magazines and billboards including Best Buy, Target, MTC, Blue Cross Blue Shield, TC Traveler, Cub Foods and many more. He’s also written, produced, played and sang on many commercial jingles most notable “Treasure Island Resort & Casino” ten years and still currently playing, among many others.