James was born in York, UK to parents Mark and Liz. He attended Clifton Preparatory School until the age of 8 before moving to St Olave's School. It was at school here that he first developed a love for acting and drama through the influences of some of his teachers. At 13 he began attending St Peter's School, York and it was here that his sporting prowess as a cricketer came to the fore playing alongside now England cricketer Jonny Bairstow.