James accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was baptized in 1965 at Central Christian Church (DOC) of Kansas City, Missouri, by Rev. James Blair.  James was united in marriage to Annetta L. Coppage on August 11, 1973.  They have three sons: Dornell (Shelia), Kevin (Jenny) and Derek (Dahlia).  They have nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. James graduated from East High School in Kansas City, Mo in 1970. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.  He also has an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Automotive Technology from Longview Community College.

James was a member of Central Christian until January 2005, when he joined Broadview Christian Church.  James is a charter member of New Vision Christian Church, founded in March 2005.

He was licensed by New Vision Christian Church and accepted the position of Administrative Pastor, under Pastor Kevin L. Harris, Sr., in December 2008.   James became an ordained minister in July 2014 and is in good standing with the Greater Kansas City Region of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

He received a Certificate of Ministry Studies from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in May 2011 for completing the Foundations course of study.  He completed the National Convocation of the Christian Church (DOC) Leaders Institute in July 2010.  He has participated in countless leadership workshops and seminars over the years. He has taken several courses from the Missouri School of Religion (now Mid-America Center for Ministry, which is now housed at Phillips Theological Seminary).

He retired from UPS, May 31, 2012, where he was employed as a Journeyman Mechanic for 34 years.  He served as the Chief Shop Steward and a member of the negotiating committee for the IAM&AW (1987-2012).  James has been a realtor since 2000 and is a real estate consultant for Essential One RE Services. 

Currently James is the Administrative Pastor for New Vision Christian Church (D.O.C.) and has served in that capacity since December 2008. He has provided leadership in the Christian Church (DOC) over 40 years, starting as a Junior Deacon as a teen.  Local congregation leadership includes President of the Corporation and Executive Council of NVCC Dec. 2005 thru Dec. 2007; and Vice President of NVCC. James served as President of the Corporation and General Board of Central Christian Church Jan. 1986 thru Dec. 1990, Elder NVCC and Central Christian.  Other offices held at Central Christian Church include; Chair of Eldership, Chair of Deacons, Trustee, Chair of Stewardship and Finance Department, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Asst. Treasurer, member of Male Chorus and Senior Choir, and youth Sunday school teacher.  James served the Christian Church of Greater Kansas City as Chair of the Urban Strategy Committee and as a consultant to congregations in neighborhoods in transition. James is the secretary of the MOKAN Fellowship (D.O.C.). James was Chairman of the Board of Directors and Vice-president of EUICDC, a not-for-profit community development corporation.  Regional service includes treasurer May 2015 to December 2022, Commissioned Minister Commission, Budget and Finance Committee, Becoming Beloved Community Team, Chair of RCOM.  National Convocation: Treasurer, 2018-2020; NCDM Executive Committee member, 2014-present. Director on K David Cole Place Board of Directors, 2019-present.

James is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (initiated 1971) and served as the Youth Diversion Program Coordinator for the Beta Lambda Chapter. He was the 2009 Beta Lambda Chapter “Man of the Year”. He received the “Boomer” Generational Award, at the 23rd Biennial Session of the National Convocation of The Christian Church (D.O.C.). He is an active member of The N.A.A.C.P. He is a past president and board member for the Candlelight Ridge HOA. 

Since entering the ministry in 2008, James has found sharing the preached Word to be a very rewarding and personally fulfilling aspect of ministering to others. He believes that God’s Word is still alive and fresh, and he attempts to bring a message that is relevant to the times, in which we live. The goal of every Disciple of Christ, should be making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20)