He was signed by Martin Foyle's Port Vale on a one-month loan in March 2004. The next month James was signed by Vale on a two-year permanent contract; as the previous loan deal was agreed before the transfer deadline, the deal could be made permanent. He made a total of 33 appearances for the club in his first full season at the club. In his second season at Vale Park he made a total of 42 appearances, but was released by the club at the end of his contract.
