James W. Styles was born at W.B. Army Medical Center in Fort Bliss, Texas, to Master Sergeant W.C. Styles and F.J. Gump in 1956. James lived in Georgia, New York, and Illinois before graduating from Wheeling High School in 1974. J.W. Styles was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy class of '78 by the J.E. Carter Jr. and G.R. Ford Jr. administrations. Cadet Styles disagreed with the Honor Committee regarding his ethical and academic behavior, leading him to abandon his American dream of becoming an Olympic gymnast and astronaut. Returning home, he obtained his Private Pilot License in 1975 and earned an Associate in Science from W.R. Harper College in 1980. PFC Styles was recruited by the U.S. Marine Corps in 1975. Sergeant Styles received his Associate's degree from J.A. Logan College in 1982 and completed his Bachelor of Science at Roosevelt University in 1985. Commander Styles earned an MA degree in Management and Leadership in 2015. The Honorary President R.M. Nixon certified Jim as an Eagle Scout in the BSA. He was certified as an FAA Mechanic with Airframe and Powerplant ratings during his second Marine enlistment. In his third enlistment as an Ordnance Munition Technician, he received decorations including the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, and Secretary of the Navy Letter of Commendation. Jimmy Gump was certified as a Navy Diver qualified to a depth of 130 feet in 1976. Additionally, Jimmy was awarded an Airborne Course Diploma, and the USMC Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy diploma was presented to him in 1984.