James is currently part of the St John's Launceston staff team and the CEO of NRM North. As part of the St John's staff team he has responsibility for preaching and parish management for the St Barnabas congregation in North Launceston as well as supporting various other initiatives of St John's. His role with NRM North focuses on the development of community based programs and responses to environmental and natural resource management issues including emerging issues such as climate change.

James is married with two children and a third one on the way. He has been heavily involved in lay ministry for over 12 years with a focus on preaching and youth/young adults ministry as well as having church leadership roles. He has done a variety of theological study and is just finishing a Grad Dip Divinity. He also has an academic background in agricultural science and is currently undertaking studies for an MBA. James is a graduate of the Murray Darling Basin Leadership Program and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He has been involved in developing Landcare in the USA and India and is a past delegate to the United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development.

James has a particular interest in how business and community leaders live out their Christian faith in positions of leadership and influence as well as exploring the intersection of Christianity and the environment. He also enjoys woodturning, classic literature and landscape photography.