James Stubbs grew up in rural Callender and graduated from Prairie Community School. He then attended trade school for two years. After that, he came back to Gowrie and worked for the Ford dealership, then for the City of Gowrie and their police department. He joined the Webster County Sheriff's Office in 1988, ultimately being elected Sheriff for two terms retiring after thirty two years. He serves on the Youth Shelter Board and UnityPoint Berryhill Board.