A veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the Korean War, James was a member of Renfro Masonic Lodge #691 and was on the financial board of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home in Greensboro. He was owner and operator of several NAPA Auto Parts Stores. Elizabeth Goodman worked as a bookkeeper for Coca Cola Company for many years. After her marriage to Jim Goodman, she moved to Sparta. She and Jim were supporters of the Alleghany Education Foundation where she served as secretary. Through their work many young people from Alleghany County were provided scholarships to help further their education.