James joins the Taft faculty in 2024 as a mathematics instructor and assistant football coach. A Connecticut native, he previously served in a similar capacity at West Haven High School. James is a graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall and Dartmouth College, where he received his bachelor of arts. At Dartmouth, James was a letterwinner in football, winning two Ivy League championships as a player before transitioning to a coaching role. James was also a member of three NEPSAC championship football teams, as well as one track & field, during his time at Choate.

At Taft, James teaches geometry, algebra II, and statistics, is an assistant coach for football as well as track & field, and does residential duty.