James brings nearly 50 years of experience in the fire service and holds certifications as a Certified Fire Investigator, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, and Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator. He has also earned certifications from the National Fire Academy, Public Agency Training Council, and other institutions. Over the years, James has served as a reserve officer with the Noblesville, Cicero, and Hamilton County Sheriff Departments, and was the chief investigator with the Madison County Indiana Fire Investigation Task Force.

James has conducted over 1,400 fire origin and cause investigations, involving interviews and interrogations of suspects and witnesses. He has provided expert witness testimony in criminal cases related to law enforcement activities, as well as depositions and court testimony on technical matters. Currently, his expertise is utilized during fire investigations for SIFT in Indiana.