MAJ James A. Karcanes was born in Springville, New York. He is a 1994 graduate of Houghton College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a 2007 graduate of the Naval War College with a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.   

MAJ Karcanes enlisted as an Infantryman in 1994 and served as a   training non-commissioned Officer for E/1-19 Infantry (IN).  Upon graduating from Officer Candidate School in 1997, MAJ Karcanes served in the 10^th Mountain Division as a Fire Support Officer for B/4-31 IN and a Fire Direction Officer/Executive Officer for C/2-15 Field Artillery (FA) where he deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of SFOR 6.  Upon redeployment, MAJ Karcanes was assigned as the Commander of the 10^th Division Artillery Target Acquisition Detachment. While assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, MAJ Karcanes served as the Commander of D/1-40^th FA (Basic Training/AIT),  and then as the Assistant Operations Officer for 3-18FA.  He later assumed Command of C Battery 3-18 FA during the Battalion’s deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2004).  Upon redeployment MAJ Karcanes, was assigned as the Commander of the Rhode Island Recruiting Company, Newport, Rhode Island.  After completing his Intermediate Level Education and Master’s degree at the Naval War College, MAJ Karcanes served as the Team Chief for a Battalion Military Transition Team in Mosul, Iraq responsible for training and advising a Mechanized Iraqi Army Battalion.  Upon redeployment in March 2009, MAJ Karcanes was assigned to the University of Maine’s ROTC department as their Executive Officer.   

MAJ Karcanes awards include the Bronze Star (1 OLC), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), the Army Achievement Medal (3OLC), the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Ribbon (with Gold Star), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the NATO Medal. He is an inducted member of the Field Artillery Order of St. Barbara.   

MAJ Karcanes lives with his wife Christine and son Tristan in Standish, Maine.