James's life story commences in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he was born and nurtured within a loving family framework comprising his father, Manny, and his mother, Patty James. The early years of his life were characterized by a profound presence of his mother, who played a pivotal role in shaping his formative experiences and laying the groundwork for his future. Notably, James's mixed heritage, a product of his black father and white mother, imbued him with a unique cultural identity that continues to influence his perspective. Despite his biracial ancestry, James identifies as black, a testament to the significance he attaches to his cultural roots and the importance of self-identification in shaping one's sense of belonging and identity.
As the years passed, James progressed through the various stages of his educational journey, ultimately culminating in his graduation from Sanderson High School in the year 2010.
James embarked on a journey of academic pursuit following the completion of his high school education, opting to further his knowledge and skills at Wake Forest University. It was during this period that he successfully earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics in the year 2015.
James's academic pursuits culminated in the attainment of his degree, paving the way for a unique opportunity to participate in a series of mini-camp tryouts with two prestigious organizations in the National Football League, the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints, during the months of May and June in the year 2015.