The Sheriff is described as a nice guy, usually, and is good to his family. However, when he feels that things are out of his hands and/or jurisdiction, he changes and becomes irritable. Following the fire at his home, he is forced to move in with his Mother on the outskirts of Paradise. His wife decides to spend time with her family in Cleveland, presumably to get away from the day-to-day close proximity with her mother-in-law. Sheriff James is later kicked out of his office which is taken over by Agent Purdy who uses it as a post from which he conducts his Mogadorian related affairs.