From 2005 to 2008, the role was portrayed by Jarred Sturman and Shane Passaro and by Declan and Rory McTigue from 2008 to 2010 and by Tate Berney from 2010 until the show's series finale on September 23, 2011.

Unaware of the infant's origins, Kelly brings Babe and JR's son back to Llanview, passing him off as her child with her husband Kevin Buchanan.

At one point Babe goes on the run with JR's former stepbrother Jamie Martin, giving her son the alias James Carey.

JR goes back to his alcoholism in the summer of 2011, after Marissa reveals that she reciprocates the feelings of and is now dating Bianca Montgomery (the lesbian mother of AJ's good friends Miranda and Gabby).

A frightened AJ spurns his father and turns to Marissa, and his de facto step-grandfather Tad Martin for guidance and comfort.

He is shown to be the best friend of Bianca's daughter, Miranda Montgomery and both have been aged to teenagers due to the time jump.