Because I'm an American

People ask James — "Why are you running for Congress?" He's never held elected office. He doesn't come from a political dynasty. His response is: "Because I'm an American." James believes in the values and traditions of America. He holds in his heart the words in the Declaration of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."​​

 

For generations, people have come to the United States for a better life. James's great-grandparents escaped the brutality of the Russian Tsar in the early 20th century. They made a life and raised James's grandmother. She went to college, married, became a school teacher and raised his mother. That way of life is threatened by a federal government that has forgotten the American experience. 

Biography​

James has grown strong roots in Central Virginia. He works as an economics teacher for Henrico County Public Schools. Both of his daughters were born at Henrico Doctors' Hospital. He owns a home in Chesterfield County.  James has been active in the community and volunteered for Better2gether, Maymont, and other organizations. He has served on multiple boards, including the Midlothian Business Alliance, the Museum District Association and Slow Food. He is an active member of Hill City Church and has served the church in a variety of capacities. 

James was raised in Oregon and earned degrees in philosophy and journalism and communication from the University of Oregon. Before becoming a teacher, he worked as a journalist at newspapers in Colorado, North Carolina and Virginia. As an educator, he teaches students about balancing a budget and Federal Reserve policy.

 

James is married to Jan, a social worker and faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she helps students with intellectual disability access inclusive postsecondary education and competitive integrated work. He has a daughter who attends public education in Chesterfield County Public Schools. His other daughter had a rare medical condition and passed at a young age. When not teaching or attending church, James enjoys hiking, NBA basketball and sharing a beer with friends.