James was part of the Expeditionary Forces during World War One. He saw combat at Cambrai, the Marne, and the Argonne. He was a damn good shot, and an even better tactician, and ended up getting a field promotion to Lieutenant. He could've stayed in the Army after the War, but chose to return to civilian life. He bounced from job to job, unable to find steady work, until he received a letter from an old army friend of his, suggesting he come down to Florida and start selling bootleg alcohol.

He's made a comfortable living down in Florida, until now. Sure, he's been stashing away money the whole time, but he's been starting to have to dip into his savings to pay the bills. Times are tough, and he's getting desperate.