James grew up in a middle-class family, the eldest of three brothers. Not long after starting a new school, he became the target of a relentless bully, who subjected him to years of life changing trauma. From this experience, James has worked in a variety of community welfare roles including as a Paramedic, and Children's Court program coordinator. Since 2011 James has worked as youth justice conference convener, which has him tasked with bringing juvenile offenders and their victims together in a restorative justice process. James holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
