James was born and raised in Rotorua NZ, into a family that has maintained and practiced Maori Arts and Crafts for generations. Traditional knowledge and skills have been passed down through the family and led to his position as Maori Built Heritage Advisor, Traditional Arts, with Heritage NZ Pouhere Taonga, from which he recently retired after 20 years of service. 

James is the only son born to Bob and Emily Schuster. He has five siblings, all girls. At the age of 13 he left home to attend St Stephens School (Tipene) at Bombay near Auckland. His tertiary education was at Victoria University, and Wellington Teachers College. 

Traditional harvesting and preparation of natural resource materials has become a key component of restoration workshops, held on Marae throughout the country, for the restoration of whakairo, tukutuku and kowhaiwhai.