James grew up in Kendall Park, N.J. with his parents, Lillian and Jim, and brothers Andrew and Russell.  He graduated from South Brunswick H.S. . Much of his adult life was spent in Howell, N.J. with his ex wife Marjery Lee and their children, Dawn and Michael.  During much of that time he served as a volunteer fireman with the Southard Fire Department.

He drove a tractor trailer for Papetti Eggs  before retiring.  His later years were spent in Ocean Grove with his companion Heidi Huber and then in Asbury Park.

He loved his grandchildren Kayla, Justin, Christopher and Dominic and enjoyed time with them.