Jim started to play guitar at the  age of 11 and played in various school bands.
He got his first real payed gig at a Working Men's Club in Lancashire with

RIO GOLD's keyboard player/vocalist Phil Walsh. Following this Jim played in various bands and also did a few years as a solo artist until he eventually formed a Soul Band with (among others) Phil Walsh, keyboards and Eric 'Ezz' Jones drummer/percussionist in RIO GOLD. Jim then continued to work with Phil and Ezz in various bands until a meeting was held with Patrick, Phil, Ezz and Paul as they were looking for a guitarist, this resulted in RIO GOLD being formed.