James is a registered classroom teacher with twenty-one years experience in education teaching primary, intermediate and high school students in social studies, sociology, mathematics, english and outdoor education. He has taught in New Zealand at Mount Maunganui College and Otumoetai College and in Sonoma California at Hanna High School.

As an apprentice writer, James enjoys writing short stories, poetry and memoir. Currently working on his memoir, a transformative young person’s journey as an
adoptee, James plans to be self published in 2026.

James is a successful athlete and health enthusiast. His athletic acumen consists of sixteen years of competitive age-group swimming, including one year of master’s open water swimming, nine years of competitive basketball, and eight years of competitive running. Currently his daily practice of breathwork, yoga, and cold immersion keeps him vibrant and healthy.

Serving his local communities in Sonoma County and Whangamata, James volunteers with local food banks, conservation groups, and he is a blood donor. Born and raised in Santa Rosa, California, he has residency status in New Zealand. A father of three grown children, James is divorced and currently lives in Whangamata NZ near to his family.