James was born in Melbourne to a military family, before spending his early years living across Canada. Eventually settling in Alberta, James studied English and Creative Writing at the University of Alberta before going on to spend years working in Communications and Public Relations. He then moved to London where he began working behind the bar and quickly fell in love with the hospitality industry. James returned to Canada and has worked at some of the best bars in Alberta, eager to care for those at his bar and always happy to make them feel welcome. James took home the title of Global World Class Bartender of the Year 2021 at the very first fully virtual Global Finals.