Billy befriended a Japanese-American, James Iha. James had grown up in a suburban environment where he "learned to deal early on with being a minority, being called names." He had average grades in high school, attended a junior college where he received high grades, and continued his education with a Graphic Arts major at Loyola University. He also took courses in theology, psychology, and "all these other things that didn't related to art. But it was good." He later dropped out to spend time working with the band. Their similar influences and interests caused both of them to collaborate and form a band. James was playing with band called Snake Train for the first few months with the Pumpkins.