James began his life journey in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where his formative years unfolded. Subsequently, his family relocated to Wilmington, Massachusetts, where he distinguished himself as a talented athlete in his high school days.
Upon his return to Boston, James discovered a passion for the performing arts by taking an acting class at the renowned Jennie Lielheim's puppet theatre in Brighton, Massachusetts, a charming suburb just outside of Boston.
Years later, James made the bold decision to purchase a house on the picturesque shores of Lake Toho in Kissimee, Florida, coinciding with the grand opening of Universal Studios. However, after several years of soaking up the sun in Florida, James realized that if he was serious about advancing his acting career, he needed to relocate to the epicenter of the entertainment industry - Hollywood.
With this newfound determination, James made the bold move to Tinseltown, where he leveraged a connection to enroll in the esteemed William Alderson Studio, under the guidance of the illustrious Bill, who had spent two decades at the helm of the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York.