Arthur J. James, a native of Dallas, Texas, graduated from Skyline High School and later taught there. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from The University of North Texas and a Master's degree from Texas Tech University. Arthur gained experience in the hotel industry with companies like Richfield Hotel Management Co., Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, Fairmont Hotels, Hilton Hotels, & Harvey Hotels. He transitioned to teaching hospitality management at his former high school and later at North Lake College from 1999 to 2010. Arthur then moved into administration at North Lake College as the Executive Dean until 2021. He served as the Dean of Business & Technology at Tarrant County College from 2021 to 2024. Arthur has also been a bi-vocational pastor and served in various community organizations. He authored "Preaching Through Pain" in 2018. Arthur is married to Patrice, has two adult children, and became a grandparent in 2024.