Tim James graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Zoology and a minor in medical microbiology and immunology in 1997. He began investigating tick borne illnesses and muscle proteins in college, which nearly lead to a career in infectious disease research. However, he began to shadow several veterinarians and found that working with animals would be his life’s work. He then attended veterinary school at the University of Georgia and received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. 

After graduating veterinary school, he practiced in emergency and critical care for several years. He later returned to a surgical residency to pursue his love of surgery. He is also certified in canine rehabilitation therapy and has a strong interests in sports injuries.