James resides in the Chicago suburbs. He competed for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 2009-2012, coached at Southern Illinois University from 2012-2016, has judged since 2016, and was a Regional Chief Judge in 2021.

Professionally, James is a First Officer on the Boeing 757 and 767 for United Airlines. He holds an ATP, CSEL, CFI, CFII, and is typed rated in the CL-65 and B757/767.

In his spare time, James enjoys gardening, golfing, and adding to his whisky collection.

James Term ends July 1, 2028