Physical Description: Brown hair, gray eyes, tends to wear customized uniforms, or uniforms that push regulations. He has a couple of scars, but are only visible when you specifically look for them.

Born in 2366, James is the son of Staff Sergeant Will Merrick, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Carol Merrick. James was raised with Federation ideals. That is until the Dominion War, both his parents were in Starfleet, and were killed during the war. Like his brother, his beliefs in peace, and the Federation were questioned, even when the war came to an end. The two were left with their Uncle, Thomas Merrick, who was a freighter owner.

Upon visiting a space station, the two brothers found themselves starting trouble with Starfleet officers, though James wasn't nearly as bad as David. The two were detained on at least three occasions in the holding cells. David for attacking Station security, and however many starfleet officers were in the Agora, and James for participating. In 2377 the freighter they were onboard, was attacked by Orion Pirates, and was saved when the USS Akira arrived to rescue them.

Inspired by the ship's rescue, James left the Freighter at Deep Space 15 and studied for the Academy Entrance exam. In 2379 joined Starfleet Academy. His brother on the other hand continued to work with their uncle, and is now piloting a Freighter of his own. The two have not talked since. During his time at the Academy he studied starship operation systems, showing great knowledge in common starship systems. During his third, and fourth years at the Academy, he was made an Assistant Instructor for Transporter Operations, showing great knowledge in the particular field. In his final year he took the Kobayashi Maru simulation four times, failing to grasp the concept of the 'no-win' scenario, but impressing instructors with his determination to save the freighter.

He was assigned to the Norway-class USS Bon Homme Richard, an Academy Starship, as a Transporter Chief. It was also there that his past came back to haunt him as the Chief Operations Officer, Lt. Jason Ferguson was one of the men he got into a fist fight with before the Academy. Because of this he was constantly being overworked in the Transporter room. After Graduation he was transferred from the Bon Homme Richard to Starbase 202.

Medical History: Had the Cardassian Measles prior to joining Starfleet, and Andorian flu during his time on the Bon Homme Richard. Suffers from insomnia periodically, and depression.