Carrie James: Sean Murray’s Ex-Wife, Educator, Entrepreneur, and Mother of Two

Carrie James is an American educator and entrepreneur best known as the former wife of NCIS actor Sean Murray.

Their relationship lasted nearly two decades. They married in 2005, welcomed two children, and separated in March 2024. Their divorce was finalized in May 2025.

However, Carrie has her own professional achievements. She worked in education, founded a school for gifted students, and established a business network supporting women entrepreneurs.

This article explores her background, career, marriage, children, and life after divorce.

Quick Facts About Carrie James

Who Is Carrie James?

Carrie James is an educator and entrepreneur who became publicly known through her marriage to actor Sean Murray.

Sean is famous for portraying Special Agent Timothy McGee on the television series NCIS. He has appeared on the show since its first season.

Carrie developed her own professional career outside Hollywood. She worked as a teacher, school administrator, and entrepreneur.

She also founded an educational institution and a professional networking organization. These projects established her identity beyond her connection to the television actor.

Although their marriage ended in 2025, Carrie and Sean remain connected through their two children.

Early Life and Educational Background

Carrie James has kept much of her early life private. Public information about her childhood, parents, and exact birth date remains limited.

Her educational background is better documented through reporting about her professional career.

According to Parade, Carrie attended San Francisco State University between 1995 and 1999. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work with an emphasis on domestic violence.

She later studied educational leadership at Antioch University in Los Angeles. She completed her master’s degree in 2002.

Her academic background helped prepare her for work in education and school administration.

Her studies also reflected an interest in supporting people and improving educational environments.

Carrie James’ Career in Education

Carrie began her professional career as an educator. She worked as a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Over time, she moved into school administration. She eventually became a principal at a public charter school.

Her experience in education influenced her later business decisions. She became particularly interested in developing learning opportunities for gifted students.

Carrie’s work focused on creating educational environments that recognized different learning abilities. This interest eventually led to her founding an independent academy.

Prestique Academy of Innovation and Technology

One of Carrie’s most notable professional achievements was founding Prestique Academy of Innovation and Technology in 2011.

The school was established to serve gifted and twice-exceptional students. Twice-exceptional students are those who demonstrate advanced abilities while also having learning differences or other challenges.

The academy reflected Carrie’s interest in personalized education. Its approach focused on recognizing students’ individual strengths and learning requirements.

Founding an educational institution represented a major step in her professional career. It also distinguished her from celebrity spouses whose public identities mainly involve their partners.

Carrie’s experience in teaching and school leadership provided a foundation for this project.

Business Relationship Alliance: Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

Carrie James expanded her professional activities beyond education in 2015. She founded the Business Relationship Alliance, also known as BRA.

The organization focused on connecting and supporting women entrepreneurs.

Its purpose was to encourage professional relationships, business development, and collaboration. It provided a networking platform for women working across different industries.

This project reflected Carrie’s interest in entrepreneurship and professional development.

Her work with BRA also demonstrated her involvement in business communities outside the entertainment industry.

How Did Carrie James Meet Sean Murray?

Carrie James and Sean Murray reportedly met at a Halloween party in 2004.

Their relationship developed before Sean became an even more familiar face to television audiences through NCIS.

The couple dated before getting married the following year. Their relationship eventually became a long-term partnership.

Carrie occasionally shared personal photographs and anniversary messages on social media.

Their 18th wedding anniversary in November 2023 attracted attention. Carrie shared a tribute celebrating their years together.

At that time, their relationship appeared to be reaching another milestone. However, they announced their separation several months later.

Marriage to Sean Murray: Wedding and Relationship

Carrie James and Sean Murray married on November 26, 2005, in Los Angeles.

Their marriage lasted more than 18 years. During that period, Sean continued developing his acting career.

He became widely recognized for playing Timothy McGee on NCIS. The role brought him international recognition and a long-running television career.

Carrie continued pursuing her own professional interests. She worked in education and later developed her entrepreneurial projects.

The couple also spent considerable time renovating their family home. In a 2021 interview with People, they discussed the extensive renovation process.

Their home reflected shared interests in design, family life, and creating a comfortable living environment.

Why Did Carrie James and Sean Murray Divorce?

Carrie James filed for divorce in April 2024 after more than 18 years of marriage.

She cited irreconcilable differences in the divorce petition. The filing listed March 18, 2024, as their separation date.

The divorce attracted attention because Sean was a familiar television personality. However, neither party publicly established a detailed explanation for the breakdown.

Court documents also revealed disagreements about custody arrangements and financial responsibilities.

Carrie initially requested joint legal custody and primary physical custody of their children. Sean requested joint legal and physical custody.

Their divorce was eventually finalized in May 2025. Much of the financial and family settlement remained private.

It is important not to assume additional reasons for their separation without reliable evidence.

How Many Children Do Carrie James and Sean Murray Have?

Carrie James and Sean Murray have two children together.

Their daughter is Caitlyn, also publicly known as Cay Ryan Murray. Their son is named River James Murray.

The couple generally kept their children’s private lives away from extensive media coverage.

However, their daughter later attracted attention through an acting appearance on NCIS.

Their son has maintained a much lower public profile. Sean has previously discussed his children and family life in interviews.

Who Is Carrie James’ Daughter, Cay Ryan Murray?

Cay Ryan Murray is the daughter of Carrie James and Sean Murray.

She became publicly recognized after appearing alongside her father on NCIS.

Cay played Teagan Fields in the episode titled “The Brat Pack.” The episode aired during the show’s nineteenth season.

Her appearance created a special connection between Sean’s professional and family lives.

Sean later discussed his daughter’s performance in an interview with Parade. He expressed pride in how she handled the experience.

He also praised her ability to respond to direction and deliver different performances.

Her appearance remains one of the most visible public moments involving the Murray family.

What Happened to Carrie James After the Divorce?

Carrie James finalized her divorce from Sean Murray in May 2025.

The final judgment was filed on May 6, 2025. Reports indicated that the couple had resolved most financial matters through private negotiations.

Their agreement included an equal division of pension plans and retirement accounts. Other matters, including custody and support, remained governed by their private arrangements.

Carrie has generally maintained a private public profile. Her professional identity remains connected to education and entrepreneurship.

There is limited reliable information about her current romantic relationships or personal residence.

She has not publicly shared extensive details about her life after the divorce.

What Is Carrie James’ Net Worth?

Carrie James’ personal net worth has not been reliably established.

Her professional background includes teaching, school administration, educational entrepreneurship, and business networking.

These activities represent different areas of professional experience. However, they do not provide enough information to calculate her personal wealth.

Sean Murray’s earnings from NCIS should not be confused with Carrie’s individual financial position.

Online estimates of her net worth lack reliable financial documentation. Therefore, a specific figure would be speculative.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carrie James

Who Is Carrie James?

Carrie James is an American educator and entrepreneur best known as the former wife of NCIS actor Sean Murray.

Is Carrie James Still Married to Sean Murray?

No, their divorce was finalized on May 6, 2025, after more than 18 years of marriage.

When Did Carrie James and Sean Murray Separate?

They separated on March 18, 2024, according to their divorce documents.

How Many Children Does Carrie James Have?

She has two children with Sean Murray: daughter Caitlyn and son River.

What Does Carrie James Do for a Living?

She has worked as an educator, school administrator, educational entrepreneur, and business network founder.

What School Did Carrie James Found?

She founded Prestique Academy of Innovation and Technology in 2011 for gifted and twice-exceptional students.

What Is the Business Relationship Alliance?

It is a professional networking organization founded by Carrie James in 2015 to support women entrepreneurs.

Who Is Sean Murray’s Daughter?

Sean Murray’s daughter is Cay Ryan Murray, who appeared alongside him in an episode of NCIS.

Why Did Carrie James and Sean Murray Divorce?

Carrie cited irreconcilable differences in her 2024 divorce filing, but detailed reasons were not publicly established.

What Is Carrie James’ Net Worth?

Her personal net worth has not been confirmed through reliable public financial sources.

Final Thoughts

Carrie James is more than the former wife of NCIS actor Sean Murray. She has developed a professional career in education and entrepreneurship.

Her work includes founding Prestique Academy and the Business Relationship Alliance. These projects demonstrate her interests beyond the entertainment industry.

Her marriage to Sean lasted more than 18 years and brought them two children. Their divorce was finalized in May 2025.

Although Carrie maintains a private lifestyle, her educational and business achievements provide a meaningful picture of her professional journey.