Born and raised in Oakland, California, James grew up with a strong appreciation and respect for environmental stewardship from a young age. This appreciation and respect was instilled in him through both his parents, and his Japanese grandparents, who were sharecroppers in the Salinas Valley prior to being interned during World War II.

James’ farming career began at Dinner Bell Farm—a diverse operation of cut flowers, vegetables and pasture raised animals in the Grass Valley area where he learned many of the joys of working with your hands in synergy with the land. This experience springboarded a desire for a more formal education in agriculture which led him to the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems at UC Santa Cruz. 

Since then, James has gone on to manage small and large-scale vegetable, fruit tree and animal productions along the coast and in the South Bay. In addition to utilizing sustainable, organic, and regenerative farming practices during this time, James honed and developed his business management skills. 

He believes strongly in the importance of providing greater awareness and support for the hardworking farmers and ranchers in our local communities. His goal is to help steward the land by stewarding relationships, leveraging networks, and providing direct business support to Kitchen Table Advisors clients as well as many aspiring farmer and rancher entrepreneurs.