It serves the northern part of Botetourt County, including the towns of Buchanan, Eagle Rock, Fincastle, and Springwood.

James River was founded in 1959 with the consolidation of the Buchanan, Eagle Rock, and Fincastle high schools.

[3] Pitcher Angela Tincher graduated from James River before having an All-American college career and playing professional softball.

The Marching Knights participate in many competitions in and out of state and have received honors, such as Band of the Day at the Lord Botetourt Cavalier Classic in 2016.

[citation needed] Past Shows include: Minutes to Midnight (2010), Rock 'n Roll Road Trip (2011), Blues Brothers (2012), We Will Rock You (2013), Pirate Radio (2014), Power of Love (2015), Man of Steel (2016), Grimm Tales (2017), Les Miserables (2018), and Time After Time (2019).