James earned a BS in Health Administration and an MPA in Public Administration from Central Michigan University (CMU) and an MDiv from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to various pastoral and educational leadership roles, James also founded and led a campus ministry at CMU for almost five years. He served most recently at·Montrose Baptist Church in Rockville, Maryland, as an associate pastor and dean of students (and teacher and basketball coach) at Montrose Christian School.·

James is married to Katie, and they have two young children, Naomi and Elliott, with whom they live out their family motto of "Embrace God's grace and extend God's glory!" James extends God's glory at Princeton working with students involved in Princeton Faith and Action.