The early years
James was born at Sutherland Hospital in 1967 and spent his childhood in the Sutherland Shire. As the eldest of 8 children he grew up in a loving and hardworking family. His parents Ronda and James still run a family jewellery business in Caringbah. From an early age he was surrounded by younger siblings and babies, perhaps kindling his future interest in obstetrics.

Schooling
James attended Yowie Bay and then Sutherland Primary School. He gained a scholarship to Newington College. Apart from academic and sporting interests he was a Cadet Under Officer in the Air Training Corps. James studied medicine at Sydney University and graduated with Honours in 1989.

Early practice
James’ internship in 1990 was spent at St George Hospital. He transferred to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for his Residency and Specialist training. In 1996 James gained Membership to the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. He was awarded the F.J. Browne Medal in 1996 for 1st place in the membership exams. In 1997 he was appointed Senior Registrar at St George Public Hospital.

Working abroad
In 1998 James moved to London with his wife, Jenny and young son. He was appointed Senior Registrar at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London. He worked in High Risk Obstetrics with interests in high blood pressure in pregnancy, gestational diabetes and twin pregnancy. He furthered his interest in recurrent miscarriage, infertility and colposcopy. While in London, James developed a passion for long distance running and in 1998 he ran the London Marathon.

Returning to Australia
James and Jenny returned to Australia in 1999 for the birth of their second child.  James was appointed as a Visiting Medical Officer at St George Public Hospital and he continues in that role today. He delivers a small group of his pregnant patients at St George Public Hospital.

Establishing practice at Hurstville Private
James set up his private practice at Hurstville Private in early 1999. Since that time he has had the privilege of delivering over 2,000 babies at Hurstville Private. His focus has been on providing a boutique obstetric and gynaecology service. He has a diverse obstetric practice from low to high-risk patients. His gynaecology practice focuses on fertility issues, recurrent miscarriages, colposcopy and women with menstrual problems and pelvic pain.

A family man
James is passionate about all aspects of life and has boundless energy and enthusiasm for each of them. He is a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Jenny, live in the St George area with their three children. All members of the family have keen sporting interests. James continued his long distance running which he took up in London: he has run the Sydney Marathon and the Six Foot Track Marathon. He walked the Kokoda Trail with family and friends in 2005, in honour of his late grandfather, Ronald Payne, who fought in the Middle East and Papua New Guinea. In 2006, 2007 and 2008 James completed the Oxfam Trailwalker, a 100km event with a team of four, including his wife and close friends. He enjoys boating and fishing with his children and occasional quiet time on the South Coast.