James Madison was appointed to the Human Relations Commission Board November 2008 representing District 25. He is a graduate of Sterling High School, Greenville Technical college, American University, Washington, DC and Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

He served as Board Chairman of the Greenville Mental Health Center and New Horizon Family Health Center. Additionally, he has served on the Board of Directors of Share, Inc., Community Foodbank of the Piedmont, Rape Crisis, Inc., Southernside Community Center, Board of Visitors for Greenville Technical Colleges Minority Recruitment and served as consultant for the National Football Players Association. He also co-founded the United Negro College Fund Campaign of the Upstate.