First Sergeant James is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August 2011 and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, where he completed recruit training. Upon graduation, he attended the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. He subsequently reported to the Marine Corps Communications-Electronics School aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, where he completed the Field Radio Operators Course and earned the Military Occupational Specialty 0621, Field Radio Operator.
In April 2012, Private First Class James was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines in Okinawa, Japan, where he served until April 2014. During this tour, he was promoted to Lance Corporal and subsequently to Corporal. Following his tour in Okinawa, Corporal James received orders to the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) in Indian Head, Maryland. While serving at CBIRF, he supported multiple high-profile National Security Special Events, including the 2013, 2014, and 2015 State of the Union Addresses; the 2015 Republican and Democratic National Conventions; and the 2016 Presidential Inauguration. During this assignment, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. During this tour he also earned the MOS 0916 Martial Arts Instructor.
In August 2017, Sergeant James reported to 1st Transportation Support Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as the Assistant Radio Chief. In addition to his technical duties, he was appointed Battalion Color Sergeant. During this tour he also earned the MOS 0919 Force Fitness Instructor. He was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in 2018 and assumed the billet of Radio Chief.
In 2019, Staff Sergeant James successfully completed Drill Instructor School and was assigned to 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, India Company, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. There, he served as both a Drill Instructor and later as a Senior Drill Instructor. During his time on the drill field, he attended the Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival course, graduating as the honor graduate of his class. He later earned the title of Marine Corps Instructor Trainer of Water Survival.
In January 2023, Staff Sergeant James was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and assumed the billet of Squadron Gunnery Sergeant and Staff Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge at Marine Wing Support Squadron 473, Detachment Minus. In June 2026, First Sergeant James was promoted to his current rank. He received orders and reported to his current billet as the Company First Sergeant at Engineer Equipment Instruction Company, Marine Detachment, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
First Sergeant James’ personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 1 gold star, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 2 gold stars.