After serving in the US Military during the Vietnam War era and being honorably discharged in 1970, Willie James returned home to the US and enrolled in Fairmont State College in 1971 where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Business Administration. Willie completed his studies in just three years when he successfully graduated in 1974.

Willie understood early on how valuable Sports Programming is to young students in giving them the discipline, dedication and leadership skills they need to cope with life's challenges and keep then "Off the Streets". Willie was a West Virginia "All-State Basketball Player" in High School who went on to play at the "NAIA Perennially Rank" Fairmont State College during the 1972, 1973 & 1974 seasons. Willie went on to play one year professionally overseas as well.

Willie's passion to work with at-risk youth led him to start Hoops-R-Us Inc. Hoops-R-Us is a California Sports Marketing company specializing in youth basketball programs designed to assist youth in maintaining a productive balance between sports, education, social and business skills. Willie is also a member of the National Association of Sport Officials (NASO), National Coaches Association, California Basketball Officials Association (CBOA), serves as a Gift for Life board member and is CO-Founder of the Urban Guardians for at Risk Youth Partnership.

Willie has Coached at various levels of High School, College and Pro-Am Basketball for almost 30 years with almost 25 years of High School, College and Pro-Am Refereeing experience. His Organization Affiliations include; Amateur Athletic Union, Basketball Congress International, Youth Basketball Association, YMCA, Slam "N" Jam and the Say No Classic. Willie has been featured in magazines such as Forbes, People, KTLA's morning show, CBS Special Workplace America, and several local and national training publications focusing on education and training.