Born in Richmond, Virginia in 1961, James is the son of former Howard University President Dr. James E. Cheek, Sr. and was educated at the American University in Cairo, Harvard Law School and Howard University. Since completing his education, James has lived and worked in locales as culturally rich as Egypt, the Dominican Republic, St. Kitts and Nevis, South Africa, Mauritius, Mali and most recently Belize and has trained under the tutelage of such film luminaries as Haile Gerima and the late Al Freeman, Jr. While raising five children, and building a wealth of experience, James has developed his craft as an independent filmmaker with a unique eye and an eloquent voice that projects the power and profundity of the African Diaspora. James has evolved from hustling among the ranks of production crews into working professionally as a freelance cinematographer, screenwriter and director. James is currently working on several independent projects.
Paternal nephew of Helen Cheek Johnson and King V. Cheek Jr.
Brother of Dr. Janet Elizabeth Cheek.
Son of James Edward Cheek (born December 4, 1932 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina-died January 8, 2010 in Greensboro, North Carolina) and Celestine Williams.
