James was born in Utica, New York on October 24, 1855. His parents were Richard Updike Sherman and Mary Frances Schoolcraft Sherman. They educated James in the Utica public schools, and his advanced education took him towards Hamilton College in Utica. Sherman was not a brilliant student but he was greatly distinguished as a debater by his professors and his peers. He gained admission to the bar in 1880, then entered the Utica law firm of Cookinham, Gibson and Sherman. He remained here as a business adviser until 1907. He was moving on to politics.

His father sparked James interest in politics, and chose to be a Republican against his father's advice. S

herman's first political victory was his election as mayor of Utica in 1884 at the age of 29, making him the youngest mayor in the city's history. He declined renomination, as he was preparing to move into national politics. Even without any outstanding achievements as mayor, he managed to work his way into position for the Republican nomination for Congress in 1886. He defeated his opponent Thomas J Spriggs, who held the office for two terms. This congressional victory started him on a long successful career in national politics. With only one election defeat in 1890, Sherman served in the House until selected as Taft's running mate in the 1908 election.

Sherman's congressional career came to an end in 1908 when he was selected as Taft's running mate. Several other men were selected as other possibilities, but none seemed to be interested, so Sherman was choosen. His main qualifications were his parliamentary skills. Also, he was well liked in the Senate, and had been an effective Congressional Campaign Committee chairman. Sherman was a competent vice president during a period that saw growing divisions within Republican Party rank

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