Husband, Father, Graduate of Campbell County High School, Class of 92’, Army Veteran (Iraqi Freedom 05-06), Retired Firefighter

James graduated from Campbell County High School in Alexandria, KY in 1992. James had enlisted in the U.S. Army in February of 92’ and just days after graduating he left for Basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC. After graduating Basic he was transferred to Ft. Belvoir, VA to attend AIT. While attending AIT. James came home on leave and married his high school sweetheart Candice in Oct of 92. Just a day after the Wedding James returned to Ft. Belvoir, leaving Candice back home to complete his AIT schooling. In Dec 92’ he was transferred to Ft. Lewis Washington where Candice would join him in January of 93. James and Candice enjoyed their brief stay at Ft. Lewis growing as a young couple and gained many friends. After 1 year James was transferred for a 1 yr tour to Camp Humphries, Korea and Candice would return Home to Alexandria for that year to be close to Family and Friends. After his tour in Korea, James returned to the states and was assigned to Ft Hood, TX where Candice and he made a home off post and made many friends both Military and Civilian. After a total of 4 years being on Active Duty and many discussions between themselves and with Family and Friends. James and Candice decided it was time for them to return home to KY. James did however remain in the in the US Army Reserves, where he often traveled overseas to do maintenance of equipment for the US Military.

Once returning home, James obtained a job with Jay Gee Manufacturing A division of Griffin Industries. James worked here from 1996-2000. In 1998 James became a volunteer member of Campbell County Water Rescue where he worked his way through the ranks reaching the Rank of Assistant Chief. In 1999 James joined the Alexandria Fire department becoming a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT. James left CCWR in 2009 which by then had merged with Boone County Water Rescue. In 2000 James left Jay Gee and went to work for Performance Marine in Alexandria, Ky. James was activated with the 610th QM Co out of Tupelo, MS in 2003 for the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, fortunately James and the men and woman of 610th remained on US soil do to the fast work of the initial units in Iraq. Once returning James continued to work at Performance Marine until he was offered a position by his friend Gene Cloyd who was expanding his business opening a second location of Alexandria Auto And Truck. In 2004 James accepted a position at the Alexandria Fire District as a full time Firefighter. James worked with Gene at Alexandria Auto and Truck, both full and part time until 2013 when he decided to go to one job to focus on his Family and his Career with The Alexandria Fire District.

In 2005 James was once again activated this time with The 400th QM Company. This was his home Reserve Unit out of Maysville, KY. James and his Units served in Iraq for 12 months during 2005-2006. Once returning home. James contract with the Army reserves had come to an end and after many long conversations with Candice. It was decided that he would not reenlist in the Reserves in order to focus on his Career as a Firefighter.

James continued to work at the Alexandria Fire District and was promoted through the ranks, and obtaining the rank of Captain. On July 1st, 2024 The Alexandria Fire District and Southern Campbell Fire Department officially merged into Campbell Fire Rescue where James retained the Rank of Captain until his retirement on February 1st, 2025.

James was also a member of The Campbell County Search and Rescue Team 2007-2012 and a member of The Northern Kentucky Technical Rescue Team 2008-2025 where he was a Vehicle Extrication Technician, Trench Rescue Technician, Rope Rescue Technician, Confined Space Rescue Technician, Structural Collapse Technician, Ice Rescue operations, Water Rescue Operation, Large Animal Rescue Operations, and Basic Search and Rescue (BSAR) member.

James has also worked for Dempsey Towing and Recovery part time and seasonal from 2015-2021 when he decided to form his own company NKY LAND SPECIALIST doing Land Management and Maintenance.

James has spent his lifetime serving and protecting this Great Nation and the people of Northern Kentucky.