Having grown up near Medicine Hat, Alberta, James went on to university in Edmonton where he met his wife-to-be Claranne. After their years in Edmonton, they moved to Central Alberta where they have raised their family and resided ever since. Over the years, James was much involved in the life of his community through minor sports organizations, service organizations, and as well, spent many years on the local school board and later on the Lacombe municipal council.
When James entered the practice of law in Red Deer he did so with a man who, at the time was descrribed as having one of the widest ranging general practices in Alberta. James feels that he has followed that same path. After over three decades of experience he still takes great price in conducting the practice of law based on small town or country style values by placing service to people, their families and their businesses first and foremost. He states that he feels a great comfort in seeking to serve his clients interest by being independent of institutions, organization or branches of government and in that sense always puts his clients first.