Jim originally trained as a footballer and, having played professionally for Manchester City, Norwich, Blackpool, Northampton, Swindon and Wrexham, music had taken a back seat until more recently.

With his sporting career curtailed by injury, appearances in small bars and functions proved the beginning of many Rat Pack-style performances; his first theatre performance was at the Opera House in Manchester with Cole Page supported by a 22 piece band. Since then Jim has had various studio and live work including with an artist on the London jazz label Babel; big band projects have led to more time in the studio and an appearance at Tee in the Park. Jim recently played the role of Sammy Davis Jnr alongside the West End cast of Flying Music and performed as a guest entertainer on the Royal Caribbean all over Europe. He remains prominent on the jazz scene in Manchester and London.