James has served as Director of Traditional Music at St. James United Methodist Church since fall 2016.  He has worked as a church musician for most of his life, having started singing in church choir as a youth at First Baptist Church in Odessa, TX.

In addition to his duties at St. James UMC, he serves as the Director of Choral Activities at East Carolina University, where he conducts the internationally renowned ECU Chamber Singers, directs the graduate program in choral conducting, and teaches undergraduate conducting.

He is married to Nicole Franklin.  Together they are the proud parents of Daniel and Catherine Franklin.