ASK JEEVES

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Photos by: Ross Mason

when Paul James was growing up in New Jersey, his mother often left him in the company of female neighbors while she went off and performed as a professional musician.  James says it was an eye-opening experience and a time during which he learned to cook a wide variety of ethnic dishes.

“I grew up doing the cooking and serving,” said James, a husky man whose sophisticated demeanor recalls the stereotypical butler. “It was something I enjoyed doing. I took great pride in my work.”

That strong work ethic has carried over into his current position as a butler for well-to-do Valley families. James, who earned bachelor’s degrees in both English and music, says his ability to think on his feet, anticipating the requests of his clients, has served him well.

“If you can anticipate what he’s looking for, that’s really a high point,” James says.

It was never more true than when James worked for the late syndicated radio commentator Paul Harvey and his wife, Angel, whom he served from 1991 to 1993 and then again in 1995 and 1996. In the later years, James was asked to train a new butler for the Harveys, and James says the newbie was amazed at how well he could anticipate the Harveys’ needs.

“I can look across the room and look at Mrs. Harvey and know this is what she wanted done,” James said.