Irene James was born in Detroit, Michigan. The eldest of three
daughters of Greek immigrants. The family moved to Santa Monica,
California in 1942 where Irene's father owned and operated The
Brenshire, a motel on Wilshire Boulevard. She is a 1944 graduate of
University High School in Westwood. After eight years working in
Hollywood as a stunt woman and extra, she moved to Palm Springs in 1962
where she owned and operated a bar and restaurant called IJ's on the
property of the renowned El Mirador Hotel. The club, which was
frequented by many celebrities, closed four-years later. She currently
resides in Palm Springs, CA.