An Old Amplefordian (Junior House 1942–44; St Aidan's House September 1944 – December 1948), he was an only child, born and raised in Lancashire. He came to Ampleforth’s Junior House in 1942, aged 12, and then was in St. Aidan's House between September 1944 and December 1948.^[1]

He then studied at St. Mary's Teaching Training College at Strawberry Hill (St Mary's University College, Twickenham). He taught at the Catholic Primary School in Warrington. He then joined the British Army’s Educational Corps, being in Singapore for a time, teaching English to Gurkhas.^[1]

After leaving the army, he returned to teaching. He was Principal of Teaching Centres, firstly in Cheshire and later in Sefton and Crosby. He retired in 1992. Subsequently, he worked for the Officers Association (a military benevolent society). He was a member of the Conservative Group in his constituency.^[1]

James McEvoy married Jacquie Carter in 1976; they had a daughter, Jane (born 1979).^[1]

In March 2007 he went to hospital for an operation and was recovering well until he went into cardiac arrest and died, aged 76, on 8 March 2007.^[1]