King James refers to King James I of England, who ruled from 1603 to 1625. He was the first monarch to govern both England and Scotland, uniting the two crowns. James is best known for commissioning the King James Version of the Bible, which was published in 1611 and remains one of the most popular translations used today. His reign was marked by efforts to promote peace and stability, but it also faced challenges, including conflicts with Parliament and issues related to religion. King James was a patron of the arts and supported the Shakespearean theater, contributing to the cultural development of the time.