James grew up in Kittery, the son of Ralph and Gertrude Colcord. He moved to York after marrying Edith (Moulton). He worked many years in the delivery business for Sears, etc. before becoming an employee and retiree from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. They had two daughters, Pamela and Deborah.

Edith was a lifetime resident of York, working many years as a waitress at the Yorkway Restaurant at York Corner. She died young of Addison's Disease leaving two young daughters, who were raised into their teens by her sister, Ruth Lowell.