Scottish leader in wars against the English in the late 14th century.

Son of the 1st earl, William Douglas, he married (1371 or 1373) Isabel, daughter of King Robert II. He invaded England (1388), besieged Newcastle for three days, and captured the pennon of Sir Henry Percy (Percy, Sir Henry) (“Hotspur”) in single combat. Percy sought revenge in the Battle of Otterburn (August 1388), which is celebrated in English ballad as “Chevy Chase” and Scottish ballad as “Battle of Otterburn.” The Scots were victorious, and Percy and his brother were captured; but James was killed. He left no legitimate male issue, but his illegitimate sons William (d. c. 1421) and Archibald (d. c. 1456) founded the families of Douglas of Drumlanrig and Douglas of Cavers.