James was born in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. He lives in St. Aidan’s Villas, in the centre of Enniscorthy Town. He is the eldest of a family of 4. He is the son of John Browne former TD from Marshalstown and Judy Doyle from Fr. Cullen’s Tce, Enniscorthy Town

He was educated locally at St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford; He attended college at Waterford IT; UCC and the King’s Inns. He is a practising Barrister and holds the following qualifications BL, BALB, LLB, LLM, Dip. Gov., Dip. EU Law. He formerly played for Marshalstown GAA Club and Moyne Rangers soccer club.

Before qualifying as a Barrister James studied Hotel and Catering Studies and he worked in various roles in bars and Hotels from the age of 15 until qualifying as a Barrister. He has also worked in factories in Germany and on construction sites in Chicago.