Beekeeper James has a BS in Environmental Sciences from the University of California, Riverside, as well as an Apprentice level certification through the OSU Oregon Master Beekeeper Program under the mentorship of Dr. Dewey M. Caron, Emeritus Professor of Entomology & Wildlife Ecology, Univ of Delaware, & Affiliate Professor, Dept Horticulture, Oregon State University.

When he is not tending to the hives, he can often be found fishing or rocking out on guitar and bass (the instrument, not the fish).

James is a proud member of the Willamette Valley Beekeepers Association.