James was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. He has two older brothers and two older sisters. James picked up a guitar at the age of 4 and played his first rendition of a rhinestone cowboy. Although country music is a passion there is only a hint in the feelers music.

Through going to boarding school and attending church everyday and singing in the choir, his voice developed fully with a 3 1/2 octave range. He high schooled at Christ College, in Christchurch. After finishing high school, James was studying fine art and film at Canterbury University.

He postponed his studies once things started happening for The Feelers. Influences range from The Beatles, Cat Stevens, NIN, David Bowie, U2 and many more.