One of the most important men in Plymouth Colony. He served as Deputy to the Plymouth General Court (1649), Commander of militia in King Philip's War (1675–8), Assistant Governor (1656–8, 1674–80) and Deputy Governor (1681–2) of Plymouth Colony, and Commissioner to the New England Confederation (four times, 1655–81).∼Born in Aller, Sommerset, England to Reverend Ralph Cudworth, a noted Puritan leader, and wife Mary Machell. Married Mary Parker at Northam, Devonshire, England. They came to Plymouth Colony by about 1630 and lived as Puritans, until he took a stance of tolerance toward the Quaker neighboring settlements, and he was shunned from the Puritan community of peoples.

James became a leader in Plymouth Colony militia, and even in his 70's was active and awarded the honor of general at that late age, during the King Philip's War - as Commanding General of Mount Hope Peninsula militia, along with William Bradford Jr. throughout the King Philip's War.

However, James rejected the title of commanding general, he did accept the appointment of Deputy Governor to England. He died in London of small pox in 1682.

There is a historical marker in the center of the cemetery, sometimes called the Men of Kent Cemetery, honoring James and the other "Men of Kent" - Not all the Men of Kent were buried there. This marker honors their lives and contribution as founders of the village of Scituate.

The Mount Hope area was King Philip's base of operation. It is near modern-day Bristol, Rhode Island, where the first battle of Kings Philip's War occurred.

James Cudworth Sr.'s participation in King Philip's War is mentioned in the book "Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community and War" by Nathaniel Philbrick, published 2006.