James was raised in Middle Lake, SK and graduated from Middle Lake High School. Upon graduation he attended the U of S obtaining his BA. He furthered his education at Kelsey Campus SIAST where he obtained his journeyman status in plumbing. In 1994, he began with Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel receiving his license in 1996. James, his wife, Paula, and three children reside in Humboldt.