In January 1981, James M. Tiner, graduated from the US School of Professional Paperhanging, Rutland, VT. He has been installing/removing wallcovering in both the residential and commercial areas since.

In 1983 he was invited back to the US School of Professional Paperhanging as an instructor. He worked an instructor for the next 10 years as well as running his paperhanging business in Rhode Island.

During his tenure at the US School for Professional Paperhanging he received his certification to teach adults from the National Association of Trade and Technical Schools. He also was amongst the first in the nation to receive certification from the National Guild of Professional Paperhangers.

In 1987 helped to organize, and serve as president of the RI Chapter of the National Guild of Professional Paperhanging. After serving as president he became the Regional Director, Northeast, for the Guild of Professional Paperhangers until 1991. During his term as Regional Director, he traveled to chapters to give certification tests to participating members.

In 1993 he left the US School for Professional Paperhanging to concentrate on his
Rhode Island paperhanging business.

He moved to Virginia in July 2003, and resides in Alexandria, VA. He resides and continues his paperhanging business there.