James Rogan Rousseau was born in Wilkesboro (Wilkes County), North Carolina, on October 1, 1887. For most of his career, Rousseau worked in government. In 1917, he was working as a deputy U.S. Marshal. He later worked as a tax agent for both the federal and North Carolina departments of revenue. Later in life, Rousseau retired from government service and became a real estate agent, founding the Rousseau Realty Company. He was also active in the Democratic Party, serving as chair of the county executive committee and member of the North Carolina executive committee. He died in Wilkesboro on August 27, 1956.