James McIntosh was born in Dumfries, Scotland on 5th April, 1918. He played for Droylsden before joining Blackpool in 1935. He only had five games in the first-team before along with Dickie Watmough, was swapped for Francis O'Donnell.

McIntosh, a fast, strong, stocky, outside left, only played three games in the 1937-38. He also had difficulty getting into the first-team the following season. In 1939, after scoring only three goals in 27 games, McIntosh returned to Blackpool.

The outbreak of the Second World War interrupted his football career. However, he had a successful post-war period with Blackpool. He scored 5 goals in the 1948 FA Cup run but was dropped by manager Joe Smith for the final against Manchester United. He was recalled for the next game and scored five goals in the club's 7-0 victory.

At the end of the season McIntosh left Blackpool. During a three year period he had scored 22 goals in 66 games. McIntosh also did well at Everton where he scored 19 goals in 58 games. McIntosh retired from professional football in 1950.