James grew up in Wantagh where he went to high school and played football.  He then went to Lafayette College where he continued to play football. While in college he played drums and formed a band with friends called The Rhondells which later became The Cyrkle.  After graduating Jim left the band and started his insurance career as a life agent for Connecticut Mutual Insurance Agency.

In 1977 Jim started a local insurance agency next to the Port Jefferson Village Post Office.  In 1980 Jim founded Maiella Associates Inc. and in 1983 moved the agency to its current location, 803 Main Street.

Jim enjoys working with friends and has been a fixture in the local community - he was a member of the Lions Club and served on the Board of JT Mather Memorial Hospital.  Jim's agency responsibilities include Medicare sales, the agency finances and maintaining client and carrier relationships.  

Jim lives in Port Jefferson with his wife Emily and dog Tucker - who you might see him walking around Port Jefferson with.