James A. Bacca was born in Raton, NM, and raised in Albuquerque. He moved to Turlock, CA to go to college and became a Stanislaus County Paramedic. He later went to the police academy in Modesto, CA and was awarded Outstanding Officer of his class.
He began working for Turlock Police Department where he orchestrated and founded the department's first K-9 Unit with his imported German Shepherd, Bino.
He took a leave of absence from Turlock Police Department to go into the U.S. Army where he flew scout helicopters for the 3/1 Cavalry.
After returning to Turlock Police Department he became a detective and worked burglaries for one year, Crimes Against Children for three years, then Crimes Against Persons for several years before being promoted and serving as the Detective Bureau supervisor. He also attended and graduated night law school at Humphreys College while serving as a detective. He was awarded Officer of the Year in 1993 along with the department's Core Value-Trust award a few years later.
After being injured and medically retired he began writing at the suggestion of his sister Becky.