Rondall “RJ” James is a native of Hampton, VA, where he first developed his interest in art within the Hampton Public Schools system. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Virginia State University and a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies, with a concentration in Printmaking and Painting, from Virginia Commonwealth University.

RJ retired in 2016 following a 36-year career teaching art at the high school level. Post-retirement, he served as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Education at Mary Washington University, where he taught and supervised student teachers in art.

A member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. for over 50 years, RJ is a past National President and has received numerous awards for his leadership and community service. During his time in Richmond, he also served on the Board of the Friends of African and African American Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

His artwork has been featured in solo exhibitions at the Fredericksburg Area Museum, the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, and Virginia State University. He has lectured at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC, the Black History Museum in Richmond, and the Fredericksburg Area Museum. Additionally, one of his pieces is held in the permanent collection at Elizabeth City State University.

He is married to Gwendolyn A. James. They have two sons and seven grandchildren and currently reside in Williamsburg, Virginia.