AUTHORKevin James was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago in the heart of the Englewood community by his mother, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After working various jobs, he finally found his calling in social work. He was employed at Maryville Academy's group home (Saint John of God) in the heart of the Englewood community where he was raised. After Maryville, he worked for an agency contracted by DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) to provide case management services to families. He also worked for Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL) which was a transition shelter that provide housing and services to the homeless, people with mental illness, and/or people addicted to drugs and/or Alcohol. During this time he graduated from Jane Addams School of Social Work at The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). He was then hired by Chicago Public Schools (CPS) where he is still currently employed.

In 2006, he completed his Master's in Education in Administration & Supervision with Principal Endorsement from Loyola University in Chicago. Presently, he is a proud father of 5 year old twins and still and always will reside in his home town of Chicago.