James K. Friedrich was born in Red Wing, Minnesota on August 22, 1903. He graduated from Virginia Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia in 1936 and was ordained as an Episcopal priest. During his academic work, a course on the life of Paul struck him as ideal for adaptation to film as a teaching tool for the pastorate. After ordination in 1938, he began to work in Christian film production in Cincinnati in addition to his duties as a pastor. When his attempts at production in Ohio proved unfruitful, he requested a transfer to Hollywood under the Episcopalian diocese of Los Angeles in order to be close to better film production facilities.

Friedrich's first film was The Great Commandment, and gradually his involvement with movies led him to leave the active pastorate to concentrate on production. His contribution to the Christian film industry was to make use of the finest available technical quality and experienced actors, though he was sometimes criticized for not limiting his staff to professed Christians. Friedrich made use of Walt Disney Studios to produce films for what became his own company, Cathedral Films. The films were distributed to many denominations, primarily for the Christian education of children.

Friedrich participated in a number of workshops sponsored by the Broadcasting and Film Commission of the National Council of Churches. These were held at Green Lake, WI. His work was important in encouraging other Christian film producers to continue the pattern of excellence in the technical aspect and research which he pioneered during his career.

He died in Los Angeles, California on July 12, 1966 and was survived by his wife Elaine.