Billy James was a very prominent Wampanoag man. His vast knowledge of herbs and spirituality were handed down to him by his elders. He, in turn, shared his knowledge with the young men of the tribe who were interested in preserving the culture during the '40's and for decades thereafter. He is credited with helping to preserve the culture of the ancient Wampanoag Tribe and he mentored Slow Turtle, who became the renowned Supreme Medicine Man of the Wampanoag Nation.