James has been a journalist for over three decades, literally starting in the mail room -- as a copy boy at The Detroit News -- back in 1986. Over the years, James has also worked at the New York Times, Newsweek magazine and spent nearly 10 years in the newsroom of the Chicago Tribune before come to the Detroit Free Press in February of 2000. James started his career at the Free Press as a reporter covering higher education, then Detroit City Hall before becoming an editor. James has had many editing roles, including, assistant metro editor, suburban editor, deputy metro editor, metro editor, director of politics and public accountability and now senior news director where he is responsible for overseeing the Free Press' print operation, along with urban affairs news and suburban news. He also supervises columnist John Carlisle. James was born in Detroit and has a genuine love for his city, its people and its sports teams -- especially the Detroit Lions. Like so many true Honolulu Blue Lions fans, he says he just wants to live long enough to see his beloved Lions make it to -- and hopefully win -- a Super Bowl. When he's not in the office, James can usually be found exploring Michigan -- or some other state -- with his family, biking through the streets, meeting with people in the community or clas