James was born on June 30, 1947 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a rifleman. Deployed to Vietnam, he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, Mortar Battery, 3rd Marine Division. He was mortally wounded in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam, and died on September 10, 1966.

His name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC (panel 10E, line 85). His legacy endures through his family, friends, and fellow Marines.