He attended UNC-Greensboro, playing on the Spartans 1985 and 1986 NCAA Men's Division III Soccer National Championship Team.
He transferred to Florida International University where he completed his collegiate career with the Golden Panthers in 1987 and 1988 and graduated with a degree in economics.
On October 31, 1991, James signed with the Illinois Thunder of the National Professional Soccer League, but tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in February 1992.
Many players under James garnered athletic scholarships most notable where Alejandro Bedoya, Scotty Campbell, and Jean Alexander.
James then went on to coach American Heritage School (Delray Beach, Florida) winning another 3 State Championships.