James Cox was born in 1956. He was educated at Thurrock where he completed his foundation in art progressing to obtain a B.A.Honours in Fine Art at West Surrey College of Art and Design where he studied between 1976 and 1979.
After leaving Art College James Cox travelled widely in France and Egypt gaining new experience and inspiration for his work. On returning to London he helped set up Albion editions printing fine art etchings and silkscreen prints. In 1988 James Cox moved to Italy to work in Florence.