James Strout was raised in Eddington and graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor of Art in Psychology. He began his career in Southern Maine working for Stantec Consulting, where he designed coal-fired power plant infrastructure. Unable to be restrained by a desk and the four walls of a cubical, James continued to pursue his education at Northeastern University, earning a Master of Science in Structural Engineering as an Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) Fellow. Several years and two children later, James and his wife, Kelley, found their way back to Bangor. James welcomed a new role as Project Manager for ANM Properties and spearheaded the development of the Exchange Street Block in downtown Bangor. Following his tenure at ANM Properties, James worked with Heart of ME United Way as the Manager of Development. James now utilizes his skills from experience in both real estate development and nonprofit development as a Commercial Lender with First National Bank.
Outside of his professional life, James is married to his high-school sweetheart, Kelley. They live in Bangor with their two sons, Cameron (11) Maxwell (9), and their Goldendoodle, Lottie. James coaches fall soccer coach and spring soccer, and baseball. James currently serves on the John Bapst Memorial High School Board of Trustees as Treasurer and Bangor Soccer Club Board. James is a former board member of the Bangor West Little League Board.