James F. Sabia has been an active member of the Tennessee Valley Winds in the trombone section since 1997 after relocating to Middle Tennessee from Las Vegas, Nevada.

A native of Newark, New Jersey, James graduated from Vailsburg High School, where he participated in the concert, marching bands, orchestra, and was a featured soloist in the Jazz band. He was the school's first recipient of the prestigious John Philip Sousa Band Award and first elected to the All-State Band.

James earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Jersey City State College (New Jersey City University) where he played baritone horn in the concert band, trombone in the orchestra, brass ensemble, and sang in the mixed choir.

Following graduation, James relocated to Las Vegas to pursue a professional career in music. However, the reality of steady work in the gaming industry provided him with a lucrative twenty-five year career in the casino business. He attended Clark County College and the University of Nevada Las Vegas earning a degree in Hotel/casino Management.

His residency in Tennessee was facilitated by illness to his parents and wife. Attending Middle Tennessee State University to continue graduate work in music provided the impetus to start playing with the Tennessee Valley Winds.

After a twenty-five year hiatus from music, he cultivated a new career in music education. While band director in Cannon County he founded the Cannon County Community Band and the Burton McFerrin Music Award. Subsequently, he retired after teaching for ten years. Presently he is performing with three local bands: South Jackson Street Band, Tellahoma TN; Silver and Gold Band, McMinnville, TN; the Tennessee Valley Winds, Murfreesboro, TN; and is a trombone soloist of sacred music at Simmons Chapel Bradyville, TN.

His hobbies are traveling, listening to music, watching sports and performing in nursing homes for the enjoyment of the residents and staff.

James married the church organist (Renea Basham) and resides in Woodbury, TN. They have no children, but lots of critters.