Tony James was born in Llanwonno, Wales in September 1919. He was a Welsh professional footballer who scored 25 goals from 90 appearances in the English Football League playing for Brighton & Hove Albion (1939-49, 74 appearances, 22 goals) and Bristol Rovers.
He was Brighton’s top scorer in the 1947–48 season with 14 goals in all competitions. He went on to play 41 times for Southern League club Bath City.