Master Chief James was born and raised in Newberg, Oregon and graduated from Newberg High School in 1997.  He entered the Navy through the Delayed Entry Program and arrived for basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL in July 1997.
 
Following Recruit Training and Aviation Ordnanceman (AO) “A” School; He reported to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) homeported in Everett, WA in 1997 and was assigned to G-1 AWSE.  After deploying in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM, he transferred to Naval Weapons Station Whidbey Island in January 2002, where he was assigned as the Weapons Ammunition Accountant.  In 2005 he attended Air Launch Weapons “C” School and returned to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and was assigned to G-3 Weapons Assembly.  In 2009 he transferred to Navy Personnel Command (PERS-4013), Millington TN, as the AO Rating Specialist.  He then reported to FAIRCONRON Three (VQ 3), Tinker, OK in 2013 and was assigned to AV/ARM and Line-shack Divisions.  In 2015, he reported to USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75) as the Weapons G-5 LCPO.  In 2018, he then reported to Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet as the Senior Enlisted Leader.  Since May 2021, he has served as the Command Master Chief for ACCRON ONE ONE SIX (VAW-116) “Sun Kings”.
 
Master Chief James is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy and Naval Leadership and Ethics Center (CMC/COB course) and has earned his Bachelors of Science in Liberal Arts through Excelsior College. His personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards), and various other unit and personal awards.  He is authorized to wear the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, and Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist insignias.