James was born and raised in Port Hope Ontario where he lived with his parents, Cathy and Greg Sr. and older brother Greg Jr. After attending a semester at Ottawa University and witnessing a touching Remembrance Day Ceremony, James knew his destiny.
In December 2000 James joined the Armed Forces along side his older brother Greg. Quickly, James moved up the ranks to become a Corporal, specially trained in Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and a Combat Diver and had been on tour in both Bosnia and Afghanistan. After only a few short months into his tour in Afghanistan in 2006, James’ vehicle was hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) while on patrol. James suffered from numerous physical injuries including a shattered ankle of which was career ending.
While back in Canada recovering from his physical trauma, his emotional trauma came to the surface presenting as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). While receiving treatment for his PTSD, James luckily discovered painting and photography as a therapeutic outlet for his emotional trauma. Today, James has expanded his vision and skill with carving from bison horn and skull, deer antler and tagua nut. Sculpting has taken on a new place in his heart. The Sculpture program at Haliburton School of the Arts gave him more room to explore and more mediums to use. After James was released from the military he moved to Round Hill Nova Scotia where he is slowly building a studio where he can explore new mediums and play.
