James earned  a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.A. in Ancient Studies from Michigan State University, as well as a M.Phil. degree in Archaeology from the University of Glasgow. During his studies he participated in archaeological investigations at Roman sites along Hadrian's Wall, a post-Medieval croft in Scotland's Outer Hebrides (thought to be the birthplace of Flora MacDonald), and survey of Iron Age to Medieval sites on the Isle of Skye. 

 

Professionally James has worked at the Public Museum of Grand Rapids, written for and edited for The Athena Review, and has worked for the past 15 years as a professional in nonprofit operations and fundraising. James is also a director for the Clan MacNicol Society of North America and editor of their journal Scorrybreac.