Vernon Henry James was born on November 4, 1930 in Toledo, Ohio. Vernon married Doris on July 2, 1955 and they had three children: Joni, Jerrold, and Judi.

James was enlisted in the United States Air Force for four years.

James was the senior and lead technician for Edgerton, Germeshausen, and Grier (EG&G) at the Nevada Test Site.