James Stuart Leslie Ross was born in October 1895 at Moruya, New South Wales to John Leslie Ross and Elizabeth Jane (née Coulter) Ross. He worked for the Pacific Cable Company as a telegraphist, and also served with a local militia unit.

Ross enlisted to the Australian Imperial Force on 17 August 1916 at Sydney, New South Wales. He embarked from Melbourne on 25 October on the HMAT Ulysses on 25 October 1916, and became a wireless operator / air mechanic for the 69th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. In late 1916, Ross was selected to become a pilot. He underwent a period of training in England, and qualified as a flying officer in October 1917. He joined the 2nd Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, as a lieutenant and proceeded to France on 3 April 1918. With his unit, he was involved in reconnaissance and bombing missions over enemy lines. On 6 September 1918, Ross was involved in an air battle with several German aircraft and received a bullet wound in his right thigh. After his safe landing, he was transferred to hospital in England to recover. He developed influenza and remained in hospital until early 1919. After his recovery, he studied an advanced flying and navigation course with the Royal Flying Corps.

On 13 November 1919, James Stuart Leslie Ross, with fellow experienced pilot Lieutenant Roger Douglas, attempted to win a competition to fly from England to Australia. Their aircraft crashed near Surbiton, England, and both men died. The exact cause of the crash is unknown. Ross was given a full military funeral and was buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, United Kingdom.