James was born in Texas City. When his dad retired from the Fire Department in Texas City they moved to Silver Creek in East Lake Buchanan.

James and his wife, Mary are members of the East Lake Buchanan Volunteer Fire Dept. James has served as Fire Chief for 20+ years, Mary serves as Treasurer. Both James and Mary are active in the Community. James has worked at the local propane company for over 30 years and Mary works at Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Co. in Marble Falls.

James and Mary have two adult daughters, Jamie, and Julie. James serves as a Deacon at East Lake Fellowship and Mary as a Children's Sunday School Teacher and both work in the Audio/Visual booth on a rotational assignment preparing PowerPoint presentations and operating the sound equipment for the Sunday morning worship services.