he has a hard time controlling his anger even though he is sincerely trying to do so,
James' bursts of anger are probably followed by a lot of apologizing. Since he is having a hard time controlling his anger, it may be easier for him to control the apology (and feeling bad) stage.
Next time, after an angry burst, James should try to apologize less and spend some energy in congratulating himself for not apologizing so much. If it am work out, this will become a virtuous cycle of fewer, less intense, and shorter bursts of anger.
