Certifications
- ASE Master Automobile Technician A1-A8
- ASE L1 Automobile Advanced Engine Performance
- ASE G1 Auto Maintenance and Light Repair
- Ford Master Technician
- Ford Electrical Systems Specialist
- Mitsubishi Electric and Hybrid Certified
- TWC Approved Automotive Instructor
- New Car Dealers Association Graduate
- Applied Technical Science Degree - Applied Automotive Technology
About James
I come from a long line of mechanically minded people. My earliest automotive experiences revolved around a service station at the age of 4 where I learned some automotive basics. Shortly after, I started repairing friends’ bicycles, before progressing to lawn mowers, motorcycles, and then automobiles. At 12, I rebuilt my first engine, a 289 from a ‘65 Mustang. That was followed by a 390 big block for my first truck, a 1973 F100. This led to the purchase of my first classic car, a 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback that I still own. (I now have a collection of 15 vehicles.)
After graduation, I first worked in a Ford parts department, before moving on to an independent repair shop where I worked on vehicles as old as a 1928 Dodge to current vehicles. I was then accepted to a Ford apprenticeship program. After 33 months, I was one of three graduates in a class that started with 39 students. I started at Ford as a journeyman technician until I left to start my own classic car restoration business. Prior to joining the team at ALLDATA, I was the Automotive Education Supervisor for a trade school. I taught all subjects with an emphasis on high-performance tuning and electrical systems.
In my spare time, I enjoy attending car events like NHRA drag racing, autocross, car shows, and parts swap meets. My travels and exploits have connected me with many notable figures such as Carroll Shelby, Edsel Ford II, William Clay Ford, Jack Roush, Bob Glidden, John Force. I’ve also supplied technical knowledge and part consultations with several reality TV stars. Outside of the automotive industry, I enjoy woodworking projects and RC aircraft hobbies.