Speaking to The Glaswegian, James said: "It is fantastic to sign the new deal and is great news for me given that this season has been riddled with injuries.
"I wouldn't say that I was worried with the injuries because you can't think like that.
"You still have to impress the management with your desire to get back to full fitness and start pressuring the guys ahead of you in the team and the club has seen enough to think I'm worth keeping hold of.
"But it was frustrating to be injured because you want to be out playing and it is hard watching from the stands knowing that there was nothing you could do to help the team."
A local boy, joining Glasgow gave James the opportunity to play alongside the players he used to watch as a supporter.
"One player I used to admire when I was younger was Jon Petrie so it was a great honour to sign for the same team as him when Glasgow first approached me.
"I played alongside him for a season and that was good - although I didn't go down the road of 'it's a pleasure to clean your boots skipper'.
"Jon was a really great guy who carried himself well and was always worth listening to when he spoke about rugby.
"He was a very honest guy and would lead by example.
"Our current skipper big Al (Kellock) is like that too so I've been fortunate to play under two great captains in my time here."