James grew up in Salt Lake City until his family moved to the Seattle area during his high school years. From a young age his parents taught him to have a high view of God and His Word. James graduated from the University of Washington in 2003 with a degree in History and then attended The Master's Seminary in Sun Valley, CA for Pastoral Training. He earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div) in 2007 and served as the Pastor of Student Ministries at a church in Issaquah, WA for six years. In 2014, James was called to serve as the Senior Pastor at Ahtanum Pioneer Church in Yakima, WA were he continues to minister. James and his wife LeAnne (a Canadian!) have been married for 11 years and have five wonderful children.