1999 Man of the Year
James was born December 1, 1950 and graduated from Potmac Senior High School in Oxen Hill, Maryland in 1968. After graduation James began his Union Career with the Communication Workers of America Local 2336. After becoming employed by C&P Telephone Company in Washington, D.C.. He soon became an active member of his local and served as job steward while at C&P.
In 1975 James was elected as Job Steward and Area Representative for the Communications Workers of America Local 2204 while working for the C&P Telephone company in Virginia. He served his Union in this capacity until 1984. He later became Area Representative and Executive Vice President of CWA Local 2250 while working for AT&T Communications and a member of CLUW.
James currently holds the position of Secreary-Treasurer of the Virginia State AFL-CIO which he has done since 1990.
James and his wife, Cynthia, reside in Glen Allen, Virginia.