James White is a native Texan. After graduating from Houston public schools in 1982, he attended Prairie View A & M University to study political science and military science. Upon graduation at Prairie View, with honors, in 1986, the United States Congress awarded James White a commission as an officer of Infantry in the U.S. Army. While in the Army, he served in a variety of assignments throughout the world, most notably the Berlin Brigade during the demise of the Soviet Union, from 1987-90. He successfully graduated from the United States Army Infantry Officer Basic Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, and Airborne School and prepared future combat leaders as an instructor at the U.S. Infantry School.

Currently, James White resides in Tyler County, where he maintains a small cattle ranch and is completing doctoral studies in Political Science at the University of Houston. He teaches American Government, Free Enterprise Economics and coaches middle and high school football and high school basketball at Woodville High School in Woodville, Texas. Each year, he sponsors a scholarship to a deserving high school graduate that aspires to attend college to pursue a degree in Political Science. Additionally, he is a professor of government at Angelina College located in Lufkin, Texas.