In Big Brother 17 (US), James was known for his pranking and scaring of several houseguests (particularly Julia Nolan), his unrequited crush on Meg Maley, being a part of the ill-fated Goblins alliance, and going back on his deal with Shelli Poole to protect her and Clay Honeycutt if she threw the HOH competition to him during Week 6. He was also a competiton threat, winning 2 HOHs, 2 POVs, and 2 BOTBs. He was eventually the last Goblin standing and ultimately voted out during the second half of the second Double Eviction in a unanimous 4-0 vote, placing 7th and becoming the fifth member of the jury. On finale night, he won the America's Favorite Houseguest award.
He returned for Big Brother 18 (US). He was apart of the 8-Pack alliance which controlled the first two weeks. He formed a bond/relationship Natalie Negrotti. In Week 7, he won America's Care Package, giving him the power to cancel the eviction votes of two houseguests. He used it at the next eviction ceremony to cancel Corey Brooks and Paul Abrahamian's votes which was the key into blindsiding Paulie Calafiore's ShowmanceZakiyah Everette. In Week 9, he was positioned as the swing vote, and he ultimately cast the deciding vote against Victor Arroyo. However, this backfired as Victor managed to return to the house, and his friend/ally Nicole Franzel turned on him. His allies Michelle Meyer and Natalie were eliminated at the next two eviction ceremonies respectively. Fortunately, his luck changed after Natalie's eviction as Nicole and her showmance Corey worked with him to finally get Victor out of the house. He ended up casting the sole vote to evict Corey, after Paul Abrahamian won final 4 HOH. He ultimately finished in 3rd place after Paul infamously evicted him and took Nicole to the final 2, thus making him the 9th and final member of the jury.
On finale night, James was revealed to be the top three to win America's Favorite Houseguest along with Natalie and Victor, but he ultimately lost to Victor.
Age: 31 Hometown: Sumter, South Carolina Current City: Wichita Falls, Texas Occupation: Retail associate Three adjectives that describe you: Fun, unique, and diverse. Favorite Activities: Anything fun: hiking, horseback riding, mudding, skeet shooting, fishing, camping, hanging out with friends, and riding the rivers at night catching some monsters. What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house: Leaving everyone behind, but I’ve always been on-the-go through the military, so I guess it won’t be too bad. Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: I have to say Zack Attack and Victoria because they both seem like they are loyal. What are you afraid of: I’d have to say I’m afraid of sharks and anything that is in the water that can hurt me. I hate spiders, too. They just look really weird. Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… Yolo, ball out till you fall out, no regrets! What would you take into the house and why: Cell phone, of course, because it’s my best friend, LOL! Also, my cat Gizmo, because he is awesome, and my Taylor Swift cut out.
James spent the first part of his life being raised in a boys’ home in South Carolina after his mother passed away from cancer and his father was unable to care for him. In his early teens, he was adopted by a Caucasian family and has called them mom and dad since. James loves his southern roots and served six years in the armed forces.[1]
Age: 32 Hometown: Sumter, SC Current city: Wichita Falls, TX Occupation: Staff recruiter Three adjectives that describe you: Cool, calm, and a being a social tough guy. Favorite activities: Boating, jet skiing, hunting, camping, going to the beach, and traveling. What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house? Being away from family, friends, and my cat, Gizmo. Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most?Derrick Levasseur from Season 16 because he never touched the Block. Do you have a strategy for winning the game? Yes! To be tough guy and let my social game do what I do best—get along with everyone and be a fun, cool, and understanding person. My life's motto is... You only live once, [so] live, laugh, and love.
What would you take into the house, and why? Flushable baby wipes because a clean bottom is a happy bottom, a notepad so I can write notes, and my favorite jacket to keep me warm.[2]
On April 27th, 2017, fellow houseguest and former girlfriend Natalie filed legal action against him for allegedly making troll accounts against her, releasing private photos of her, and posting false information about her on social media.[3]
On August 25, 2020, James announced that he was running for mayor of Wichita Falls.[4]
On December 22nd, 2020 James appeared in an episode of Catfish on MTV.
He is the first HouseGuest ever to win 2 HOHs, 2 POVs, and 2 BOTBs in one season.
James is the first HouseGuest to not use the POV in Big Brother 17.
James formerly held the record for the most competitions won by an Asian-American in Big Brother history with 6 competitions (2 HOHs, 2 POVs, and 2 BOTBs).
If one doesn't count in the Battle of the Block as a competition, he still had the most competition wins with 4 competitions in total.