James Dutton is from Griffin, Georgia. He earned his associate's degree in computer science from Gordon State College, his bachelor's degree in international economics, his master's degree in public administration, and his law degree from Georgia State University. He lives with his wife, Kristen, and their two children in Georgia, and attends the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he serves as a boys' youth minister.

James currently serves as a county commissioner in Spalding County, representing District 2. He was first elected in 2018 and is serving his second term.

James currently works as the owner and founder of James R. Dutton, Attorney At Law. He previously worked as an assistant public defender in the Griffin Circuit, a legal intern with the City of Atlanta Law Department, a graduate research assistant at Georgia State University, and a sales executive at the Boy Scouts of America.