Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, James made his first appearance on November 22nd 1975 for parents Gerard and Nancee. He is one of seven children, five sisters and a younger brother. At the age of thirteen he won a part in Steven Spielberg's Hook in his very first audition, but he didn't stop there. While filming Hook, Hoffman personally casted James to play his son in his upcoming film Hero. Soon after, James took on his first serious role playing Pedro, the drug addicted friend of Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg in the acclaimed film The Basketball Diaries. He then earned the role of Cory, a mentally challenged young man in If Tomorrow Comes. After numerous television appearances in hit shows such as Jag and Arli$$, James caught the biggest break of his career when he portrayed Sgt. Frank Perconte in the Golden Globe & Emmy Award winning WWII miniseries Band of Brothers. James recalls the experience as "life altering, a career monument", and continues to keep a very strong relationship with Mr. Frank Perconte. James then found himself on prime time, landing a series regular role on the CBS drama Queens Supreme. James also lent his voice to the blockbuster DreamWorks Animated film Shark Tale. He has since ventured into the independent world accepting lead roles in films such as Searching for Bobby D, West of Brooklyn, Dough Boys and The Grasslands.