Jim was born and raised in Western New York State, where he began music at an early age. Shortly after beginning studies on Trombone at age 9, he also began studying guitar with two local guitar players; Ron LoCurto and Ralph Fava. Throughout his time at Lockport High School, he played in more than a few bands and ensembles, (inside and outside of school hours) refining his jazz and blues chops. Jim and his friends could always be found at the Lafayette Tap Room in Buffalo, NY and such clubs as Nietzsche's, Braccettos, and (a favorite) Gonzo's in downtown Lockport, NY.

In late 2005, Jim was accepted to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. During his his time at Berklee, he was able to study and jam with such well known professors as Bruce Bartlett, Garrison Felwell, and Craig Hlady. While pursuing performances in the Boston areas, Joustra studied large-ensemble jazz techniques with Dick Lowell and Ken Pullig; two pillars of the Berklee Jazz Composition Program. Upon graduating with a degree in Jazz Composition and Guitar Performance, Jim again hit the New York City music scene with groups in genres such as neo-folk, jazz, jazz fusion, and rock. In 2013, Jim performed lead guitar duties on the debut record "Distant Shores" by The Fine Machines, as well as the corresponding live dates.

Shortly after leaving The Fine Machines, Jim rejoined the NYC cover-music circuit with The Westside House Rockers; a band featuring local legends, Ron Service (Sax), Mark Sanders (Vocals), and Ron Currie (Harmonica). From 2015 to 2019, Jim Joustra & the Westside House Rockers (WHR) played all over the NYC Metro Area. In between, fitting The Jim Joustra Trio as well as the Jim Joustra Band. Jim also handled lead guitar work in the Grateful Dead Tribute act “Forever Grateful”.

Outside of Jim's own performances and studio recordings with his Jim Joustra Trio and Quartets, he's had the honor of sitting in with such elite musicians as  Robert Cray, Donald "Duck" Dunn, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, James Cotton, and R.L. Boyce. The now defunct 'Smokin Joe's BBQ' in Brighton Center, MA was the mecca for last minute sit-ins and long, long after-hours jam sessions!

Currently Jim is based in Jersey City, NJ and playing gigs and recording sessions across the NYC metro area!