Graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree, coached football, basketball, baseball and track,  taught American & World history at Anna ISD 1980-81, coached football, basketball and track at Mckinney and taught Physical Education classes while coaching there. Moved to Greenville in 1983, working as a Program Manager at E-Systems, Raytheon,  and L-3 Communications retiring in 2018. While there received an MBA degree from Amberton University in 1990. Returned to the education field first being a substitute teacher during the 2019 year, then in 2020-2021 full-time teacher and coach and again for 2021-2022. I am married to a 20 year GISD veteran teacher Tricia Wheeler, we have raised five children Aaron, Ashley, Ashleigh, Alexa and Madison, three of which are teachers. Have two grand babies Rowan James (Ashleigh and Coach James' son) and Olivia ( Ashley and Spencer Mcado's daughter).