James grew up in a Christian family in San Antonio, Texas, where he accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age. After high school, he moved to Philadelphia to attend Drexel University, where he studied Structural Engineering and played collegiate soccer. He now works as a structural engineer in Philadelphia.
James is deeply involved in his home church, Chelten Church of Hope in Dresher, Pennsylvania, where he serves as a deacon, small group leader, and Sunday School teacher for young boys. He has also been active in youth ministry, leading Bible studies, small groups, and weekend retreats.
James met his wife, Katie, while in college, and they have been married for 19 years. Together, they have two sons, ages 13 and 11, who have attended Catapult retreats at Sandy Cove each year since 2022. Through working with underprivileged families, James and his family have seen firsthand the effects of fatherlessness. This has given James a deep burden and passion for raising up godly men by investing in the lives of his sons and other young men—helping them build a strong foundation in God’s good plan for their lives.