Algebraic method (simultaneous eqns):
James' grandmother was 45 when he was born - (assume G is grandmother and J is James) from that information:
G = 45 + J
And
She was 4 times his age when she retired (at retirement):
4J = G
Substitute 2nd eqn into 1st:
4J = 45 + J
3J = 45
J = 15
Sub J = 15 in 1st (solve for G)
G = 45 + J
G = 45 + 15 = 60
Therefore, James was 15 when his grandmother retired at 60 years old.