James graduated from Reno High School in 1998. He joined the Marine Reserves at 17, and attended the University of Colorado to study history and anthropology. His wife Katherine was 4 months pregnant when James was killed in Iraq in August, 2005. Their son, Jimmy, was born on December 22. James also leaves a loving daughter, Casey, 9 years old. He was looking forward to getting back home to be with his wife and new baby.