Before entering the reentry field, James served with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), where he spent more than 20 years as a Youth Officer and Gang Specialist. During his law enforcement career, he trained over 24,000 law enforcement professionals and became known for his work with youth intervention, gang prevention, community relations, and public safety initiatives. Today, James combines his law enforcement experience with workforce development, family reunification, housing stabilization, behavioral health support, and employment services to create pathways to success for individuals returning from incarceration. Under his leadership, the Wake Local Reentry Council has developed a comprehensive support system that addresses the many challenges faced by returning citizens, including employment, housing, transportation, education, behavioral health, legal assistance, and family restoration. 

James oversees a multidisciplinary team of case managers, employment specialists, behavioral health professionals, peer support staff, and community partners. He also works closely with employers, educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based organizations to expand opportunities for second-chance employment and community reintegration. His professional responsibilities include strategic planning, performance management, employer engagement, workforce development, policy implementation, grant oversight, staff development, community partnerships, public education, and reentry simulation training. Through innovative programming and strong collaboration, the Wake Local Reentry Council has consistently exceeded performance goals while maintaining recidivism rates significantly below national averages. 

In addition to his work in public service, James is an accomplished author, songwriter, music producer, and recording artist. As the founder of Epitome1 Productions, he writes and produces inspirational R&B, contemporary Christian, and gospel crossover music designed to encourage, uplift, and inspire listeners. His music has reached audiences worldwide, with his song "Lift Him Above Your Troubles" surpassing one million streams on Pandora. Drawing from personal experience, faith, public service, and a lifelong passion for helping others, James uses both music and community leadership as tools to bring hope, healing, and transformation to individuals and families. Whether leading reentry initiatives, speaking at conferences, mentoring young people, writing books, or creating music, his mission remains the same: helping people discover that their past does not have to determine their future. James is also the author of "How to Reach the Prodigal Child" and is a frequent speaker on topics including reentry, criminal justice reform, workforce development, youth intervention, family restoration, faith, and personal transformation. His life's work is driven by a simple belief: when people are given opportunity, support, and hope, they can overcome obstacles, rebuild their lives, strengthen their families, and positively impact their communities.