James brings a varied background to the Montrose Recreation District. He earned a Master’s Degree in Education and Commercial and Instrument Ratings as a pilot. He has varied interests and leisure pursuits.. His career spans from being a Recreation Therapist for 25 years, helping run a swimming pool and teaching adaptive swim lessons for special populations, to teaching at Mesa State College, and working in the Mental Health field. Now, he is the Aquatics Leader for Montrose Recreation District.

James spends many hours setting up swimming lessons and facilitating the operations of a safe pool. He is a Lifeguard Instructor and a Water Safety Instructor. He loves that free swim lessons are offered here to third graders in the Montrose School District. As the Aquatics Leader, James is proud to be a part of children learning to swim, which is crucial for their safety. He says being the Aquatics Leader for the MRD is the "dream-job.”

He also enjoys camping, skiing, fishing, biking, hunting, archery, canoeing, and being a good dad and husband.