Born in Middletown, Ohio, and raised across Denver, Colorado, and Pensacola, Florida, James grew up exploring the diverse landscapes of the United States. As the son of a U.S. Air Force sergeant and minister, James Harris Sr., and Dorothy L. Harris, a spirited woman who took pride in her three sons, his childhood was rich with stories and discovery. Surrounded by mountains and beaches, James developed a deep love for nature, a curiosity for science, and an early fascination with automobiles, airplanes, and bicycles. His mother often joked that he mastered riding a bike before learning to crawl.

During preschool, James's keen interest in Denver's Channel 9 evening news caught his father's attention. His father orchestrated a spontaneous visit to the local television station, which planted the seed for what would eventually grow into a thriving career in the media industry.

James also credits his younger brother's third-grade teacher, Ms. Shipley, for recognizing his talent for writing despite his learning differences. Her encouragement to nurture his writing skills proved pivotal, inspiring him to embrace storytelling and self-expression in ways that would shape his future.

After graduating from Pensacola's Booker T. Washington High School at the turn of the century, James pursued his passion for storytelling at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL, where he majored in Journalism. At FAMU, he immersed himself in campus life, serving in the Student Government Association, representing the Royal Court, and joining Kappa Alpha Psi and Alpha Phi Omega Fraternities.

James's entrepreneurial spirit shone through in his initiatives. He launched the award-winning radio show "The Final Cut" and established a recycling program that continues today. He became a certified personal trainer to support himself, leading exercise classes across Tallahassee and founding FAMU's spin cycling program.

While still a student, James began his professional journey as a weekend production assistant at WCTV. His skill and versatility earned him roles as an editor, evening news producer, reporter, and photographer at WTXL, the rival TV station. He taught GED courses at Tallahassee State College. James also took great pride in interning at Six Flags Over Georgia's Public Relations Department and becoming a press intern for Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

After leaving Florida's capital city, James began working at WTVY in Dothan, Alabama, as a producer, reporter, and photographer. During this time, he also pursued a Master's in Public Administration at Troy University. Eventually, James returned to his hometown of Pensacola to join WEAR-TV, taking on roles as a producer and photographer. Outside work, he became actively involved in the community by volunteering with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America and participating in the Pensacola Young Professionals Society.

After two years, James stepped away from the television industry to explore a new opportunity as an advertising account executive at AT&T Small Business Solutions in Atlanta, Georgia. He played a key role in transforming the Yellow Pages telephone directory into a thriving digital platform. While continuing his graduate studies, James earned his master's degree. He re-entered the media world as a news trainee at FOX 5 Atlanta, eventually advancing to the role of creative services producer.

At FOX 5, James broke new ground by becoming one of the first television professionals in the nation to establish a television station’s social media platform on YouTube through the FOX VIP program. His innovative work helped to launch major shows like Bob's Burgers and American Idol, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach to media and storytelling.

Taking a considerable risk, James left the land of peaches for the Big Apple to work as a creative writer and producer at CBS New York, where he spent nearly a decade. He created over 500 creative campaigns, earning him several accolades, including an Emmy and the National Association of Black Journalists' "Salute to Excellence" Award. During his later stint at CBS, he joined the network news team as an associate producer, using his creative lenses to break international stories.

Today, James is the Senior Creative Writer at NBCUniversal and the Head of Content Development for the Women's Aerospace Network. He is a member of the NBCUniversal Creative Council and the Writers Guild of America and actively supports various community organizations. As Creative Director of the Safe Space for Dreams Community Art Project, he uses art to inspire others. James is also a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the FAMU Alumni Association, a past President of the New York chapter, and an Emmy Awards judge. He continues to enjoy one of his earliest passions, riding his bicycle.