James has been working and studying in the outdoors since 2016, during which he earned degrees in Adventure Education and Counseling from Prescott College in Arizona. He joined the Blue Ridge team in 2021 as a Field Instructor working primarily with young adults in Emerald Arrow. James offers unconditional care and support to students as they navigate the joys and challenges of outdoor living. He balances depth and playfulness in his work with students, and is an avid bow driller and storyteller.

In his current role as the Emerald Arrow Field Coordinator, James spends his time in the field with the group as well as working behind the scenes, setting up creative intensives, skill building, and guests for the Emerald Arrow professional speaker series.