Later the family moved to Johor Bahru where James attended the prestigious Bukit Zaharah English School and Johore English College.
James excelled academically. His notable achievements included receiving the prize of English from Lady Ibrahim in November 1941.
His friends at college include The Kuok brothers especially William Kuok, xxxx. He completed his xxx in July 1939. James was also active in extra-curricular activities including being appointed as an Air Raid Precaution Warden (‘ARP”).
During this time, he did not take part in any political activities.