James was born and raised in New Jersey, but currently resides in the beach town of Encinitas, California. A part-time student at The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, James also works in production for a sportswear company in San Diego. He is an active surfer who spent five years in Salt Lake City rock climbing. His biggest accomplishment is his solo motorcycle ride to Alaska. His signature piece of clothing is a 10-foot scarf he knitted himself.