During the Fall 2000 season, James was the final line of defense for the John Jay Boys Soccer team’s first New York State Championship (Ranked #2 in the Nation). He was the starting Goalkeeper for every game on a team that compiled a 25-0 record and outscored its opponents 115 to 14 over the course of the season.

James started to play soccer at the age of six in the East Fishkill Soccer Intramural program and continued on to play in the East Fishkill Soccer Travel Program, the East Hudson Select Soccer teams and finally the John Jay Junior Varsity and Varsity soccer teams.

James continued to enjoy the game of soccer after his time at John Jay, playing with the Western New England College (WNEC) Division III Men's Soccer team, and then the Syracuse University Club Soccer team. As a Goalkeeper for WNEC and a Defender for Syracuse, James led strong defenses that competed against teams from other major colleges throughout the Northeast. James carried forward his work ethic, skills and determination developed at John Jay to his teammates at WNEC and Syracuse.

In 2005, a memorial scholarship fund was established at John Jay High School to provide a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior from the Boys Varsity Soccer Team.

A total of $20,000 has been provided to the following outstanding John Jay soccer players: