James Van Trees was born on August 13, 1890 in Oakland, California, USA. He was a cinematographer and actor, known for Flying Hostess (1936), The Gorilla Man (1943) and Steel Against the Sky (1941). He was married to Leonette Cavalli and June ?. He died on April 11, 1973 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA.
President American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) 1923-1924.
His father was Franklin S. Van Trees (aka Frank Van Trees 1866-1914)a famed "society" architect. He was most noted for his mansions in the Pacific Heights area of San Francisco, such as the Baron Edward S. Rothschild house on Jackson Street.