James most recently served as Director of Bands at Timber Creek High School in Keller, Texas. Prior to his appointment at Timber Creek, he taught in South Carolina and Tennessee. Under his direction, his ensembles received consistent superior ratings in Concert Band, Marching Band and Solo and Ensemble. In 2017, The Blythewood Wind Symphony was selected to perform at the South Carolina Music Educators Conference as well as a featured ensemble at the University of South Carolina Honor Band Clinic. In 2021, for the first time in school history, the Timber Creek Band advanced to the 6A UIL State Marching Contest. Later that year, the Wind Symphony received the 2022 Mark of Excellence in class 6A.

While receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, his passion for the marching arts led him to get involved with Music City. He served on the brass staff for four years and was appointed brass caption head in 2012; he eventually helped lead the corps into Drum Corps International Semi-Finals for the first time in corps history. He has also served on the Blue Knights brass staff in prior seasons.

James took a step back from the classroom in 2022, but continues to be involved in music education as a clinician, judge and program coordinator. He also continues to help teachers/directors as the DFW travel consultant/sales rep for Travel-Merchandise-Festivals= TMF! James and his wife Lacey live in Keller, TX with their two tuxedo furballs…JJ and Cowboy.