In 1982 Magician/Performer David James started his career as a part-time sound technician for a traveling puppet troupe, the Puppet Tree Gang. After six months of extensive training, David James started as a full-time puppeteer and started training as a magician.

In 1984 David James joined Family Festival Productions as a full-time magician. For the next three years he traveled extensively, performing shows across the United States and in nine countries around the world.

In 1987 David James became one of two performers with The Illusion Maker. David James also started writing and producing shows. As of 2001, David James became the only performer with The Illusion Maker.

David James continues to write, produce and perform as The Illusion Maker, traveling across the United States teaching audiences the importance of protecting the environment and living a drug free life.