James was born in a small, rural town in Western Kentucky, where his early life was marked by a strong sense of community and a deep appreciation for the arts. When he was just three years old, his parents made the bold decision to relocate to St. Louis, Missouri, a city that would have a profound impact on his future.
As a child, James was fascinated by films and television, and his parents, Jim and Lois, shared his enthusiasm for the medium. On summer evenings, the family would often visit the local drive-in theater, where they would spend hours watching three feature films for the low price of $1.50 per adult and free admission for children under the age of 12. The experience was made all the more magical by the sound of the mono speaker, the smell of freshly popped popcorn, and the feel of the warm summer breeze on their skin.
James's earliest memories of films are deeply rooted in this period of his life, and he often thinks back fondly on the movies that played at the drive-in, including classics like "Cool Hand Luke," "The Graduate," and "Midnight Cowboy." His parents, unlike many of their peers, did not edit the movies they watched, allowing James to develop his own tastes and sensibilities at a young age.
As he grew older, James's love of films only intensified, and he would often sneak down to the family living room late at night to watch the " Bijuo Picture Show," a series of late-night movies that featured a wide range of genres, from gangster films to Westerns. The stars of these movies, including icons like Bogart, Grant, McQueen, Newman, and Redford, would go on to inspire James's own work in the years to come.
Despite his passion for the arts, James did not initially pursue a career in theater or film. Instead, he attended college in Southern Missouri, where he focused on other areas of study. However, it wasn't until a friend asked him to read the stage directions of a play he had written that James's interest in the performing arts was truly piqued.
Since that time, James has dedicated himself to honing his craft, and he has enjoyed a significant amount of success in the business. His journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, and a reminder that even the most unlikely of beginnings can lead to a lifetime of creative fulfillment.
