James graduated from Deshler High School and was an outstanding tackle for the Tigers. "Shubie" was selected to the All-State team in 1939. After high school he received a football scholarship to Southwestern College in Memphis, Tennessee. Following college he coached for a brief period at Colbert County High School before he was called into the Navy where he served during World War II. When he returned home from the Navy he became the Head football coach at Deshler for seven years and led the 1947 team to an undefeated season and the Tennessee Valley Conference Championship.