James was born and raised in South Korea and received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from UC Berkeley and a Master of Science in the same field from Stanford University. He worked as an electrical engineer for 15 years, mostly at Hewlett-Packard Labs. Though he enjoyed every minute of his work, he became increasingly aware that God might be nudging him to a different path. 

The deepening awareness of God’s calling eventually led him to Princeton Theological Seminary, where he received a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology.  He was ordained in the American Baptist Churches of NJ in 1999 and served as an English-ministry pastor of a Korean church and a pastor of an international church with members from over twenty nations. 

For him, the most transformative experience was serving as a volunteer pastor at NJ State Prison and for the refugee communities from Myanmar and Thailand.  While he values academic insights and loves studying, he has learned the key principles of Christian life and ministry from koinonia (sharing life) with those who live with humility, joy, and gratitude in the midst of enormous suffering and trials. 

He and his wife Elisabeth are deeply grateful for their two sons and daughters-in-law. He enjoys taking a walk with his wife, exploring the mountains and historical sites around NJ, learning ancient languages, reading books on science, and listening to classical music.