James Richard "Jimmy" Dow II was born in Merced, California on February 25th 1987. His father was a pilot in the United States Air Force and his mother was a homemaker. Following training the family was stationed in Boosier City, Louisiana. Growing up in Louisiana and finally Atlanta, Georgia, James lived for short periods of time in Massachusetts and Nevada. He attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas before returning to Atlanta. James has worked in various industries including mining, retail and food-service before pursuing a career in law enforcement. He is also a licensed EMT and volunteer firefighter.