James Orr was born in Akron, Ohio in 1943. He graduated from the University of Akron in June, 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree and a major in Marketing. He graduated from Lexington Theological Seminary in June, 1971 with a Master of Divinity degree and a major in Church History. Following his ordination in June, 1971, he served in the full time ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Ohio and Indiana from July, 1971 to February, 2000. Currently he is employed as the Program Associate of the Huddleston Farmhouse Inn Museum just west of Cambridge City, Indiana on the historic National Road. The Museum is owned and operated by Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.

Jim and his wife Patti, of nearly 35 years, have lived in Connersville since 1977 and are the proud parents of two daughters, Carrie Zapfe of Greenwood and Mandy Ford of Richmond. He is a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. His Confederate loyalties are rooted in his Mother's family. His Mom was born in Atlanta, Georgia and he has two Great-Great Grandfathers and two Great-Great Uncles who served in four Georgia Volunteer Infantry regiments (16th, 22nd, 28th and 34th).