James Moore was a 1960 graduate of Sheffield High School. He attended Howard College, Florence State Collage and in 1968  graduated from the Alabama Military Academy. He was a letterman for the Bulldogs in football, basketball and baseball, playing all three sports from his freshman through his senior years. He was an end in football and was chosen by the high school coaches to play in the North/South All-Star game in Tuscaloosa following his senior season. James was selected All- District, All-State and was the leading scorer during the 1960 basketball season. In baseball, he was chosen to play in the District All-Star game during his senior year. Following high school James was signed to a baseball contract by the Los Angeles Dodger organization and was assigned to the Albuquerque team in Texas League. He continued to play in the minors from 1960-1966. James as an avid golfer and was a member of the Georgia State Golf Association. He was most proud of a hole in one he recorded in 1992.