James is the Grandson of Tigers' Legend Jimmy Lodge. He was raised by Jimmy and spent many, many hours at Boothferry Park during his childhood and youth, often travelling to away games on the team coach.
He became the youngest qualified referee in the UK at the age of 14 and is probably the only player to have played for a Hull City team and refereed them as well.
A qualified Coach in a number of sports through his Sports Science degree, James went on to spend a period of time as General Manager of Shepshed Charterhouse FC. A former University Lecturer, James now lives in semi-retirement in Scotland.