James Christian 'Munky' Shaffer was born June 6, 1970 in Rosedale, California. His nickname, 'Munky', is apparently a reference to the fact that his feet, when spread, resembles a monkey's feet (this was revealed in the multi-platinum video "Who Then Now?").
In his youth, Shaffer led a troubled life, often stealing his parents' alcohol and trespassing. One night, when trying to sneak out to a party, the tip of one of his fingers was severed by the chain on his three wheeler, and, as part of his rehabilitation, Shaffer picked up guitar.
During high school Shaffer met fellow guitarist Brian Welch and the two often jammed together ever since. In fact, it was Welch who got him into his first band, L.A.P.D. L.A.P.D. consisted of Shaffer, Fieldy, David Silveria and Richard Moral. The first three members went on to form Korn.

In the mid-1990s Shaffer developed meningitis and became ill during 1997 while on tour, requiring him to be hospitalized. KoRn had to cancel the remainder of that tour.
On January 15, 2000, Shaffer married Stephanie Roush. The couple had a daughter, Carmella Star, the next year, whom Shaffer claims is the most prized possession in his life. The two are now divorced.
February 22, 2005, Brian Welch left the band. James felt very sad, but he accepted his friend's choice. Today, he is the only formal guitarist in Korn.

In 2008 Munky began development on the project "Fear And The Nervous System". As of June 2009 thirteen tracks exist for this album which, as yet, has no release date.