Chef James A Davidson was born and raised in a New Jersey suburb of New York City. He attended the prestigious "Culinary Institute of America" in Hyde Park New York and spent time at "Cordon Bleu" in Paris. After graduation he spent a couple of years in the kitchens of the East Coast then heard the call of The Islands".  James moved to Hawaii in 1986 and perfected his pastry skills at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Kahala Hilton and Royal Hawaiian Hotels. He was then asked to open the Black Orchid restaurant. Chef James then met Roy Yamaguchi. He opened Roy's Hawaii Kai then Roy's Park Bistro in Waikiki in 1991.

In 1993 he struck out on his own and opened Signature Sweets Professional Shop. In 2001 James opened his second business, Jimmy's Lakeside Bakery Cafe, in historic Kemoo Farms in Wahiawa. He continues his passion for fine pastries and has added a savory catering line to his sweet offerings at Signature Sweets Catering and Wholesale.