James was born
and raised in Dover Court Bay, near Harwich, Essex. He was educated at Shrigley
Missionary College which was run by Salesians. His career in general management
involved theatres and education. The latter included a less usual experience,
when he was Bursar and Secretary of the International School in Lusaka, Zambia,
during a eight-year spell in Africa. As befits a man who is young in heart,
he adds that before he received his ‘Freedom Pass’ he worked at
Westminster social services. Currently he is employed on a part-time basis
by Dove’s Funerals of Bromley to help console those who have just lost
a loved one.
He is married to Pauline and they have two children and three grandchildren.
He was ordained deacon in 1991. James is currently the chairman of the London Charismatic Day of Renewal which arranges monthly masses, talks and a Eucharistic healing service. He also serves as a co-ordinator for the vocations pilgrimage to Walsingham in June each year.