Pastor James was born in Greeneville, TN and has had the opportunity to live in many places and different states throughout his life.  His childhood was spent mostly in central Florida (Ocala) except for three years during middle school where he lived in Ottawa, Canada with his dad, stepmom and older brother.  Pastor James graduated from Lake Weir High School in Ocala, FL.

 

For the next 8 years, Pastor James lived in North Carolina while attending Gardner-Webb University (Boiling Springs)  and serving as Associate Pastor at Hartland Baptist Church (Morganton).

 

In 2001, Pastor James and Haley were married at Flemings Chapel Baptist Church in Lenoir, NC. That fall they moved to New Orleans, LA to attend seminary at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.  While attending seminary, Pastor James served as interim pastor of First Baptist Church of Norco, LA and pastor of the First Baptist Church of Marrero, LA (2003-2005).  While serving at FBC Marrero, Pastor James and Haley welcomed their first daughter, Joy.

 

In August of 2005, pastor James and Haley were called to Chattanooga, TN to Spring Creek Road Baptist Church.  Here, they welcomed their second daughter, Natalie, in 2006.  Pastor James and Haley were blessed to serve at Spring Creek for 13 years.

 

In July of 2018, New Life Church extended a call to Pastor James to serve as the next Senior Pastor.  Pastor James, Haley and their daughters accepted that call and moved to Bonita Springs, FL in August to begin a new chapter in their lives and a new chapter in the life of New Life Church.