James Reid played his early football in Scotland. He left Hibernian for Port Vale. In 1900 Arnold Hills decided to bring in some experienced players to his new West Ham side. The club made several new signings that year including Reid, Hugh Monteith (Bristol City), Fergus Hunt (Arsenal), Freddie Fenton (Gainsborough), Albert Kaye (Chatham), George Radcliffe (Grimsby Town) and Billy Grassam (Port Vale). He scored 5 goals in 13 games in the 1900-01 season. The following year he joined Worksop Town. Other clubs he played for included Notts County, Watford, Spurs, New Brompton and Reading.