James became captivated by genealogy after learning some fascinating family stories during a trip to Port Chalmers in Dunedin, New Zealand. This is what sparked his passion.

James was awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic, and Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, which focused on Scottish and English records and which taught him the fundamentals of good genealogical research.

He is also a volunteer for the National Library of New Zealand FamilySearch service.