James Clifford Retson was born July 28 1948 in Truro, Nova Scotia. He is married to Roberta Retson and has two children, Dr. Jillie Retson and Julia Retson. He is currently the Executive Director of Kenora Association for Community Living a leading edge provider of support services to persons with special needs.

He holds a BA (Psychology , UBC, 1970), LLB (U of Toronto,1974) and MBA (Dalhousie U. 1984) .

He was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in December 1974. He was a former town counselor of the Town of Truro Nova Scotia and while living in Truro a member of various boards and Committees. He is a past president of Rotary (2007-8) He in an inthusastic genealogist, bridge player, gardnener and supporter of Scotish and Robert Burns culture.