DEATH TO JESSIBELLE!!! Sorry . . . I had to get it off my chest. As far as I know, from there he joined the Pokemon academy where he met Jesse. They failed with the lowest scores ever at Pokemon Tech. From there they joined a bike gang (yes, a bike gang, not rum, rum, ring, ring,) I guess it was his first time on a bike because he still had training wheels. (it pains me so much to type that) After that, they joined Team Rocket, and I guess You know it from there.

IS HE GAY???
In my opinion, no. he obviously cares for Jesse very much, and has taken a interest in a few female characters. Even if he was, I would still love him. LONG LIVE JAMES!!!

How Old Is He?
Now I have thought long and hard about James' age, so I think I have it right. I'm guessing James is about 15. Now I'm only judgeing this from what I've seen in the series in America, and as far as I know they haven't revealed his age yet. If you know his true age for a fact, or have any subtitled Japanise Pokemon eps up for grabs Tell Me! But for now, here's just my opinon.
How did I come around to this conclusion I hear you cry? I have studied both the habits of James and Jesse intently. Now If Jesse is like me, then she usually doesn't like guys younger than her, so that would give her an induced power trip over James. That would explain why she beats him up so much. Now if you notice, when James is daydreaming, it's about power and stuff, and when Jesse daydreams, she's usually surrounded by a bunch of guys. James never has a girl on his arm, not even Jesse. SO that shows that he is still a child, at least mentally. Or if he is really kinda dimwitted (I Love You James)He is definatly not gay. That shows that the testosterone is flowing nicely. Like I said, this is only my opinion. =^.^=