Born on November 11, 1955, Dn. James grew up in the Cedar Rapids Area. He married his wife Gwen on July 5, 1980. Together they had two children, Jim and Christine. and is the proud grandfather of his 4 grand daughters, Charlotte, Chloe, Clara and Kira. Through his love of the church, and desire to serve, Dn. James completed the St. Stephen's course at the Antiochian Village and was later ordained to the Holy Diaconate on September 4, 2016 by his Grace Bishop ANTHONY.

He enjoys serving in the church and reading the history of our Orthodox faith and of the lives of the saints. He also loves to visit with our parishioners and to help our youth move forward in their spiritual life.

When not in church or supporting the congregation Dn. James enjoys being with his family, golfing, working out, collecting coins and baseball cards. When he is away from his home in Cedar Rapids, Dn. James is residing in Florida 6 months of the year where he serves at Holy Spirit Orthodox Church in Venice.