J. M. Charteris was born in Kirkcaldy. In 1888, Charteris moved to London to work at at Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, one of the government's main munition factories.

An inside-right, Charteris made his debut for Woolwich Arsenal in the 1888-89 season. He joined a team that included Humphrey Babour, Peter Connolly, David Danskin, Richard Horsington, Fred Beardsley, Joseph Bates, John McBean and W. Scott.

Woolwich Arsenal continued to make good progress and won the London Charity Cup in 1890. Unfortunately, Charteris' football career was brought to an end when he broke his leg in a game in November 1890. During his time at the club he scored 24 goals in 28 games.