Irene James was born in Detroit, Michigan. The eldest of three daughters of Greek immigrants. The family moved to Santa Monica, California in 1942 where Irene's father owned and operated The Brenshire, a motel on Wilshire Boulevard. She is a 1944 graduate of University High School in Westwood. After eight years working in Hollywood as a stunt woman and extra, she moved to Palm Springs in 1962 where she owned and operated a bar and restaurant called IJ's on the property of the renowned El Mirador Hotel. The club, which was frequented by many celebrities, closed four-years later. She currently resides in Palm Springs, CA.