My Roots / My Story

Born in New York City and raised in Boston from the age of 11, James embodies the authenticity and strong opinions that city life demands. After high school, he moved to Oklahoma to play Division I basketball at Oral Roberts University, where he earned the role of team captain in his senior year. A lifelong sports enthusiast, James excelled in baseball, basketball, and football in high school and even received offers to play professional basketball overseas.

In his household, one rule is non-negotiable: no one roots for the Yankees, Lakers, or Dallas Cowboys.

With a deep faith in God, James is passionate about discussing scripture and engaging in meaningful conversations about religion. He never shies away from a spirited debate, always eager to explore the deeper aspects of faith.

James's commitment to empowering young people is evident in his career. With over a decade of experience as a high school teacher and basketball coach, he now runs a basketball skills school, continuing to mentor and inspire the next generation of athletes. He also dedicated 15 years to youth and adult ministry, including six years planting a church in Boston before relocating to Tulsa, where he now resides.

James is a devoted husband to Sarah and a proud father of four, with his oldest child now following in his footsteps by playing basketball at ORU.

A young male basketball player in a dark blue jersey with the number 23 jumps to shoot or pass the ball during a game. The court and crowd are visible in the background.
A man and woman taking a selfie on a city sidewalk, with the woman smiling and the man wearing a baseball cap. The woman has blonde hair and is wearing a red plaid shirt, while the man has a beard and is wearing a dark hoodie.
A man in a gray zip-up sweatshirt and a black cap sitting on the edge of a stage with musical instruments and equipment behind him, including a green drum set, an electric guitar, an amplifier, and electronic music gear. There is a 2011 banner hanging on the wall.
A black and white photo of a musical performance on stage with multiple musicians including a singer, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, and drummer, with audience members in the foreground.
A man standing on a stage with musical instruments and equipment, holding a microphone with a large screen behind him displaying religious text.
Group of six people, three children and three adults, in a wood-themed axe-throwing venue, posing with axes and knives, with baseball hats, sweatshirts, and shorts, standing in front of target boards, with '# GOTS WOOD' signs above.
Photograph of two basketball players in action during a game. The player in white with the number 2 from Oklahoma is holding the ball, while the player in black with the number 23 from a team with a yellow panther logo is guarding. The scene appears intense and is taking place on a basketball court. Text at the bottom reads "James Kruse Boston, MA."