James Doakes was born 10 March 1962 to Mr. and Mrs. Doakes. Much of Doakes' earlier life is unknown, although he may have had a rough childhood as his father was an abusive man working as a butcher (this would later on fuel his status as a prime suspect for the Bay Harbor Butcher).

Prior to joining Miami Metro, Doakes was employed as an Operative in the United States Army Rangers. The 75th Ranger Regiment is a Special Operations unit in the United States Army that handles sensitive assignments. Doakes was part of a Regimental Reconnaissance Detachment that conducted deep recon missions.

Doakes often partnered with Sergeant Angel Batista and Officer Debra Morgan, while dealing with forensics on scene, namely Dexter Morgan and Vince Masuka. His direct supervisor (and close friend) was Lieutenant Maria LaGuerta, with whom he had previously been partners for over two years. His most defining trait is that he was the first among his colleagues to realize something was off about Dexter Morgan.

It was your birthday and you were great friends with James Doakes. Doakes trusted you more than anyone. It’s hard to say whether there’s a romance there or not but you make each other happier than anyone else. Doakes always threw surprise parties and you came to expect them though they still startled you because they were like jumpscares that could happen any moment during the day.

You were the only one Doakes felt comfortable talking about his suspicions of Dexter Morgan with since everyone else shut him down or criticized him.

As for the jumpscare you were approaching your house when Doakes bursts out the door like the kool aid man and yells Surprise Mf!

Doakes had on a party hat and was holding 3 boxes of gift wrapped presents. Inside your house was all Doakes law enforcement buddies and Dexter who Debra forced Doakes to invite.