James was born in Dalton, Georgia, the oldest of four children. he attended public schools in Whitfield County, Georgia and the University of Georgia. He served two years in the U.S. Army, 1965-1967, mostly in the Chemical Corps. James started a carpet manufacturing company in 1970 servicing a niche market, the outdoor and marine markets. He is now semi-retired, living in Destin, Florida and Dalton, Georgia. 

James has been a lifelong United Methodist, serving at various times in every office of the local church. He became a member of Dalton First United Methodist Church in 1995 and became involved in missions at the local level. Due to the early death of the local leader/coordinator of short-term mission efforts, he stepped into that role. He served and led teams to various parts of the world including Central and South America, Africa, and India. James' efforts are mainly focused in facilitating and leading teams for medical, dental, and/or construction work.

James was elected to The Mission Society Board in January, 2007.