After school, James enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in San Diego, CA. James married Liz Fee in Rockfield on December 5, 1987. He worked for Robbins Farms in Carroll County for 21 years and was a member of the First Free Methodist Church in Lafayette. James passed away at his home on May 30, 2007, after an 11 month battle with colon cancer. He is survived by his wife Liz, their daughter Keri and son Squire. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Bethie.