In 1987, James graduated from Chemeketa Community College with an AS degree in Fire Suppression and an Emergency Medical Technician -I.  He also was an intern firefighter with the Marion County Fire District #1 for 2 years.

In 1992, he was hired by the Maui Fire Department which he served for 25 years. He was tasked as part of an Engine company responding to various emergencies. In 2002, he was promoted to Fire Inspector to the Fire Prevention Bureau. There he acquired training & experience in both inspection and fire investigations.  He then qualified as a Certified Fire Investigator with both the International Association of Fire Investigators and National Association of Fire Investigators.  He was tasked to investigate over 300 fire cases and has testified as an expert witness in numerous cases.  He also attended the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute/University of Maryland where he qualified as a certified Fire Inspector I, II & III. He has accounted over 2100 inspection hours as a Fire Inspector. As a Fire Inspector he conducted inspections from new construction to existing occupancies (schools, hospitals, condos, hotels and other commercial properties).  Skilled to inspect Fire Protection Equipment from Fire Alarms, audible / visual devices and Fire Sprinklers.

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He was born and raised on Maui of Filipino ethnicity.  Happily married and a father of 5 daughters.  He currently works in the private sector, both as a fire inspector and investigator.