Born and raised on Long Island, New York, James Devoti's early life was marked by a sense of adventure and a desire to explore the world beyond his hometown of Merrick. His journey took him to Baltimore, Maryland, where he attended and graduated from Loyola University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications/Advertising with a Minor in Business. During his time at Loyola, Devoti was a proud member of the #1 nationally ranked Loyola Greyhounds Men's Lacrosse Team, competing at the highest level and even reaching the Final Four in his freshman year.
Following his graduation, Devoti decided to take a break from his academic pursuits and travel to West Africa, where he volunteered his time and efforts in Ghana. This experience not only broadened his horizons but also prepared him for a career in the entertainment industry.
Devoti's family has a long history of military service, with his older brother, John Devoti, serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps. John saw active duty in Afghanistan in 2004 and Iraq in 2008. Tragically, their father, Robert, passed away from lung cancer when James was just thirteen years old. Robert was a decorated sniper who served in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps.
Devoti's mother, Barbara, who resided in Merrick, New York, until her passing in 2021, was a retired teacher and a Hall of Fame inductee for the Massapequa public school district. Despite facing numerous challenges as a single mother, Barbara instilled in her sons a strong work ethic, persistence, and determination. These values have had a profound impact on James' life and career, shaping him into the person he is today.
