At
Taft, James was active in the band and orchestra with John “Pops” Rapier, and in
a dance band that was started in his junior year.
He attended Pasadena California City College and California Polytechnic College,
earned two degrees in horticulture from University of Illinois and completed
advanced studies at various universities. He parlayed his interest in
horticulture into a lifelong career.
He began his horticulture career in 1957 as an extension advisor for University
of Illinois. He worked in the R&D division of Whirlpool Corp. As an independent
contractor he developed greenhouse complexes through the country.
James has hosted the Saturday Morning Garden Show for WAIT Radio, Direct TV’s
Garden Street USA, and has appeared on various other radio programs. He has
written numerous articles and authored a dozens of books including, “Illinois
Gardener’s Guide”, “Month by Month Gardening”, and “The Midwest Fruit and
Vegetable Book”.