James L. Layton was elected State Commander of the Department of Montana of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on June 17, 2023, at the State Convention in Whitefish, Montana.

James enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 1999 and continued to serve until his retirement in 2023. James earned his VFW eligibility by serving in Operations Iraqi Freedom between 2005 and 2006. In recognition of his service, he has received the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Iraq Campaign Medal with one campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, as well as numerous other awards.

He joined the VFW in 2006 as a member at large, later transferring to Post 4067 in Malta, Montana, where he maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership. He has served at Department, District, and Post levels as State Junior and Senior Vice Commander, Department Voice of Democracy Chairman, District 5 Commander, and Post Commander.  On the national level, he served as a member of the National By-Laws Committee and as a member of the National General Resolutions Committee. Additionally, he was appointed National Aide-De-Camp for 2017-18.  James is a four-time All-State Post Commander and two-time back-to-back All-American Post Commander leading his post to their first All-American achievement for 2017-18 and again in 2018-19.

James currently works for The Department of Homeland Security. He is a Life Member of the National Home, a member of the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion, and a Boy Scouts of America District Commissioner. He enjoys being involved with his local community in Malta, Montana, where he currently resides with his wife Joana, and their son Elijah.