James has lived in Conshohocken all of his life. He was a member of the former SS. Cosmas & Damian RC Church, now a member of St. Matthew's RC Church. Graduate of Conshohocken High School, class of 1945. James served in the US Army during the Korean War, where he pplayed in the Army Band. He was a talented musician. He worked as a Settlement Officer with title insurance company.