James had a very spoiled childhood as his parents are quite rich. He spent time at his various houses in many different regions of the world while he was young.
James had an arranged marriage set up at a young age to Jessiebelle, a girl that he absolutely resented. James ran a way from home to avoid the whole situation but Jessiebelle has haunted James ever since.
James eventually joined Team Rocket and was paired with Meowth and Jessie. Together their goal has been to capture Pikachu and as many rare Pokémon as possible for Giovanni.