James Milton Ham was born in Coboconk, Ontario on September 21, 1920. He studied electrical engineering at the University of Toronto and graduated with a B.A.Sc. degree in 1943. He continued his studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He graduated with his Science Masters in 1947 and his Science Doctorate in 1952.

Around 1954, James returned to the University of Toronto as an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering. He became a full professor in 1959, head of the department in 1964, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering in 1966, and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies in 1976. James then served as the tenth President of the University of Toronto from 1978-1983.

James M. Ham was given several honorary degrees and public awards in recognition for his contributions to the engineering profession. In 1980, he was made an officer of the Order of Canada.

James Milton Ham married Mary Caroline Augustine on June 4, 1955 and together they had three children; Peter Stace Ham, Mary Martha Ham, and Jane Elizabeth Ham. He died of complications from Parkinson’s disease at the age of 76 on September 16, 1997.