Sergeant Jesse James began his distinguished journey in 1968 when, while recovering from a major sports injury at the Naval Hospital, he received a presidential nomination to the U.S. Naval Academy. In 1971, he became captain of the Golden West College soccer team and received medical clearance from a Naval doctor to join the Marine Corps. Selected to represent the Marines as an All-American volunteer in a major national news special, Sergeant James went on to join the elite Marine Corps Silent Drill Team in 1972.
He later served as an avionics technician at Camp Pendleton, earning promotion to sergeant within three years. Holding a Top-Secret clearance, he managed the MCC3 Calibrations Lab, ensuring precision in critical operations.
Beyond his military service, Sergeant. James has been recognized with numerous community honors, including Optimist of the Year, Rotarian of the Year and Kentucky Colonel. His duty stations included the U.S. Naval Air Station Memphis and Camp Pendleton.
