I trust in God. That is why I obey His word.

DS: And James isn't strictly talking about salvation or justification before God.

Yes, he is. The proof is that he mentions the sacrifice of Abraham at the altar. Who was present there besides Abraham, Isaac and God? No one. Read it yourself in any version of the Bible that you want.

Salvation itself is not of works, that's stated plainly enough in Eph 2:8-9.

I didn't say that salvation was of works. Nor does the Church teach that. Nor does Scripture say it. But Scripture and the Catholic Church both teach that no one is saved who does not obey God. Only those who do the will of God are saved. 

Romans 2:13
King James Version (KJV)
13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

You will be in dire straits if you're trusting in your works because salvation is not of works.

I trust in God. That is why I obey His word.

However, we ARE to do the works and they are evidence of our true faith

That is salvation by faith and works.

but it is faith alone in Christ alone that saves and justifies before God.

That contradicts Scripture:
James 2:24
King James Version (KJV)
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Sincerely,

De Maria