James Albert Cross CMG DSO KC was born in Caledonia Springs, Ontario (ON), son of George Henry Cross and Miriam (Kenny) Cross of Aylmer, Québec. Cross was educated at Vankleek Hill, ON Collegiate Institute. In 1898, he went to Saskatchewan, studied law and was called to the Bar of Saskatchewan in August 1905. During WW1, Major Cross served with the 28th Battalion and with 27th City of Winnipeg Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Cross was honourably "mentioned in despatches" for distinguished service in the field and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) on June 4, 1917. Commissioned Officers appointed to the Order must have first been honourably mentioned in despatches and in this case there was no citation accompanying the DSO.

From June 1st, 1918 to September 1, 1919 Cross commanded the 21st Infantry Brigade, Regina with the rank of colonel. Cross served as an elected Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Saskatchewan from June 1921 to December 1927 and served as Attorney General from April 1922 to December 1927. Cross was a partner in the firm Cross, Hugg & Forbes, Barristers and Solicitors.

At one time he was Chief Commissioner, Board of Transport Commissioners for Canada. In September 1905, he married Ida Bell Dawson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Dawson. They had one daughter and one son. After his first wife died, Cross married Mrs. Edna Gertrude Fayle of Toronto in September 1946.