On 28 July 1942, he entered the service from Indianapolis, Indiana, as a private in the Air Corps (Service Number 15 106 108). He was married and had two years of high school education; his civilian occupation was listed as: "Skilled brakemen, railroad".

We have him listed as participating in one 437th flight as a Glider Co-Pilot: Operation VARSITY in March 1945. According to a newspaper clipping from the Terre Haute Star, he was awarded an Air Medal for his efforts supporting the troops at Bastogne in October through December 1944.

James was a member of the 437th TCG Association and was listed on their rosters from 1972 through 1990 (which is a mystery, considering he passed away in 1970).