James Alexander was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He was selected to attend the best public high school in Chicago at the time. He served in the United States Marines and was meritoriously promoted. Unfortunately, while serving as a successful Marine, James participated in and was convicted of an accidental murder. After two trials, the first being a mistrial, he was sentenced to prison. While in prison, he achieved an electronic technician certification, an X-ray technician certification, and an alcohol and drug abuse counselor certification. James also earned an Associative of Arts degree and co-founded inmate self-help programs. He was released from prison in April of 2011 after 28 years in the California prison system. 

    After his release, James Alexander received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in psychology. He sat on the board of the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. He also currently sits on the board of the Friends Committee on Legislation in California. James is an inspirational speaker, has collaborated in the authoring of a book, and is an advocate for criminal justice and prison reform.

    In 2014, James Alexander was honored as an Unsung Hero of Compassion by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama for serving other prisoners through founding inmate self-help programs. He currently works as an alcohol and drug abuse counselor. Recently, James has worked as a facilitator of groups regarding alternatives to violence and alcohol abuse. He is still very active in advocating for nonviolence and prison reform. After experiencing the injustice in the criminal justice system, James wants to be a powerful voice for change in prison systems, wherever they may be.

    Currently, James pursues his newfound freedom with a most wonderful lady named Constancia, the love of his life.