[7] Born in Atlanta and raised in Austell, Georgia, James graduated from Kennesaw College which is now Kennesaw State University on Dec 13,1985.

After attending The Basic School in Quantico, VA, he graduated from the US Naval Flight Training on the Commodore's List Jan 15, 1988.

He has logged over 5000 flight hours as a KC-130 aerial refueling and air assault pilot.

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