Meet Captain Lionel James

Founder of Lines of Service | U.S. Air Force Veteran | Outdoorsman

For as long as I can remember, fishing and the outdoors have been part of who I am. Growing up, especially during my years in Alaska, I spent countless hours exploring, fishing, and discovering the world around me. Sometimes those adventures were with my father, and other times I was on my own. What I didn't realize then was how much those experiences were teaching me about independence, patience, confidence, and life itself.

My journey eventually led me to serve in the United States Air Force as a firefighter. As a disabled veteran, the values of service, leadership, discipline, and giving back remain an important part of my life.

Over the years, my love for fishing has taken me to incredible places, introduced me to amazing people, and opened doors I never imagined possible. But some of the most meaningful experiences have come from sharing that love with others.

That's why I founded Lines of Service, a fishing and outdoor education nonprofit based in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

I wanted to create opportunities for children to experience the same freedom, adventure, and personal growth that fishing gave me. Not every child has someone to take them fishing or access to the equipment and knowledge to get started. Through Lines of Service, we're working to change that.

As a father, I understand how important these experiences can be. Sometimes all a child needs is someone willing to give them their time, attention, and an opportunity to discover something new.

My vision is to grow Lines of Service beyond Northwest Florida, expanding into communities across the country through youth fishing programs, outdoor education, fly-fishing experiences, and eventually programs supporting fellow veterans.

Because at the end of the day, it's never been just about catching fish. It's about the people, the experiences, and the lives we have an opportunity to impact.

"Stay solid to yourself and 100 in your heart, and I promise you everything will be alright. Yaaa diggggg!"

— Lionel James