Studied at Guy's and St Thomas's Hospitals and then practised at 249 Blackfriars Road, London. He was Surgeon to the Royal Infirmary for Children, Medical Attendant to St Saviour's Union Workhouse, and Medical Examiner to the Medical Invalid and General Assurance Society. In old age he retired to Me

Came of an Oxford family, and was probably born in Oxford in the year 1802. His brother, George Parsons Hester, was a solicitor and was for many years Town Clerk of Oxford. James was a student at St Bartholomew's Hospital. He was admitted 'Chirurgus Privilegiatus' of the University of Oxford in June

Began the practice of his profession in Preston, where he soon rose in public estimation, and was much sought after by a large circle of patients. Connected with the Dispensary, he rose in time to be its Senior Hon Surgeon. He was a Member of the Preston Town Council from its first constitution unde