James Jones begins his fourth professional season and first with the ThunderBolts in 2015. He signed on February 23, 2015. Jones last played professionally in 2013 as a member of the Schaumburg Boomers. He was originally picked in the 33rd round of the 2011 Amateur Draft by the San Diego Padres and spent two seasons with the organization, ascending to Double-A San Antonio. He had a 3.56 ERA in 64 games over those two years. James began his collegiate career at John A. Logan College, going 4-6 there in two seasons with a 4.20 ERA, before he was drafted in the 45th round by Cleveland. He elected instead to transfer to Louisiana-Monroe. As a Warhawk, he went 8-11 over two years with a 5.74 ERA. He attended Ballard High School in Louisville, Kentucky.