"Forest is my home town club and it is a massive game - it has been a happy hunting ground for me in the past.
"I had a season ticket for about four or five years when Brian Clough was manager and brought Peter Shilton in - he was my first hero," says James.
He reckons Cloughie will be remembered with a smile and adds:
"It is sad but you recall him with fond memories; you would hear him wherever you went in town and there are so many stories about him.
"He is a big loss to football, and obviously to his family, but he will be remembered fondly.
"When we had a minute's silence for him on Tuesday against Notts. County, there was not one noise made, which shows you how highly he is respected.
"But County fans have always been respectful like that and they understand how well he did for Forest - even if they are a bit jealous he wasn't on the other side of the Trent."
Forest find themselves - perhaps unexpectedly - third from bottom and James adds:
"I have a soft spot for them and my friends keep me informed as to what is going on up there; it is something of a wounded animal at the moment so we have to be strong.
"There is a lot of expectation on them because of the way they finished last year but it is a difficult league as everyone knows.
"You have to be strong and we need to keep our run going - hopefully their fortunes will change after Sunday."
James may make way for Steve Bywater after getting the nod for the Notts. County game, but he says:
"We have a good working relationship; we push each other to work hard which is good for us and good for the club."