Hugo James Unverhau was born in Auburn in 1897 to Joseph Hugo Unverhau and Catherine (nee Connolly). James was of German descent, his grandfather immigrating to the Western district of Victoria in the 1840's. James met and married his wife Catherine in Geelong in 1885. Electoral roles place the family between 1903 and 1906 in Park Street, Hawthorn where James's occupation is noted as a Providore, and a sister Grace was also residing with the family.

By 1915 it appears that Hugo has left the family residence and living in East Melbourne working as a clerk. He enlisted on 17 July 1915 spending a month at Training Depot. On 10th October 1915 he embarked from Melbourne on the HMAT Star of Victoria on was taken on strength by the 10 Company Army Service Corps on 23 October, 1915. He became unwell before arriving in Egypt and by 30 November was admitted to the 15 AGH in Alexandria with diptheria ans gastritis. By 27 March 1916 he rejoined his unit, however by 15 May, 1916 he had returned to hospital, this time the 1st Aux Hospital in Cairo. In June 1916 he was discharge due to being unfit for service caused by a diseased heart and embarked for Australia at Suez  on the Port Sydney, arriving back on 22 July 1916. He was granted a War Pension at this time.

After retuening Hugo marries Mable Scherwin adn had one daughter. In 1924 he is living in Albert Street, East Melbourne working as a travelling salesman. Throughout the 20's and 30's he lived in several areas of Melbourne including Hawthorn and Albert Park.He passed away in August 1965.