Born and raised on the Alabama-Georgia state line, James was a standout athlete for Lanett High School in Lanett, AL. Though he also played football and basketball, it was on the track where he won 7 individual state titles and the 2009 Junior 400m USA Championship. From there, he went on to Mississippi State University where he brought 5 All-American titles to the Bulldogs trophy case in two years. Afterwhich, he transferred to the Florida State University and continued his successes in a Seminole uniform while earning a degree in Communications with minors in Advertisement and Counseling. While in Tallahassee, he would set a school record in the high jump and take home an indoor NCAA Championship in the event. On his athleticism, James says, "On the track, I am the only athlete to double in the 400m and high jump WORLDWIDE. Not only is my skill set combination unique, but also my in-competition persona and swagger. I feel that every opportunity to compete is blessing and that it is a reason for celebration. With that being said, I have a great time while competing."
Off the track, James is just as multi-faceted. He is a Christian, father, music-loving producer, and avid outdoorsman. He says, "Being an elite athlete many people tend to confine you in a box and assume that your only talents are in athletics. When people see my talents that are unrelated to athletics is when they see how diverse I am as an individual. I pride myself on that trait. I love new opportunities, especially the ones that take me out of my comfort zones. While I feel that I can interact with anyone from any walk of life, I also know how to stay true to my identity. I plan on leaving wealth and a legacy for my daughter and my future offspring." Once his career on the track is through, James wants to open his own agency for athletes and entertainers, and to become heavily involved into music production.
James trains in Atlanta, GA under Garfield Ellenwood and the EAI Track Club.