Jim started playing the tuba at the age of 11 and progressed through the school system playing orchestral tuba. At the age of 14 Jim was accepted into the Leicestershire School Of Music Arts programme which involved Saturday morning rehearsals with orchestras and wind bands with several large scale concerts throughout the year. Tutors throughout his time there included the legendary Don Blakeson and John Ridgeon. Other highlights included playing with the members of Her Majesty's Royal Marines and master classes from the `world famous` John Wallace collection.

In 1989, at the age of 15 Jim became a founder member of the Rigid Containers (GUS Footwear) Youthbrass 2000, a midlands based youth band under the direction of trombone star Chris Jeans. The band quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest in the country, representing England in 1990 at the Youth Europeans in Falkirk Scotland and winning the Action Research Entertainment contest the following year.

Having left school at the age of 16, Jim continued his studies at the Leicestershire School Of Music achieving A level music. During this time, and again under the direction of Chris Jeans, Jim joined his first championship section brass band, the Leicester based Ancient Order Of Foresters where more success was to come. Wins at the Midlands Area, French Open and many other own choice and entertainment contests saw a real high point in the bands history.

After a brief period at the William Davis Construction Group band, in 1997 Jim moved to the Rolls-Royce Coventry Band under musical director Dave Lea. A very enjoyable time was spent with band progressing and moving up the world rankings, BBC listen to the band recordings, BBC Songs Of Praise and the bands first appearance at the British Open 1999.

In March 2000 Jim accepted the position of principal E flat bass at the then titled NSK-RHP Ransome band, where he remained for over 8 years. October 2000 saw the band achieve the runners up position at The National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall and crowned champion band of England. This qualified the band to represent England at The Europeans at Stravinsky Hall, Montreux Switzerland where they achieved a very respectful 7th place.

Over the 8 years with the Ransome band and other bands Jim has enjoyed great success performing at all major contests including; The National Finals, British Open, Europeans, All England Masters, Brass In Concert, Butlins mineworkers championships, Swiss Open, French Open , and the Kerkrade World band championships.

Jim is a proud member of the Wallberg Band Switzerland ( winners of the Swiss Open 2005) a project band organised by Hanspeter Adank & Russell Gray the band is made up of players from England, Norway, Australia, Denmark and predominately Switzerland.

2009 saw Jim sign for the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band, having played for the band back in 2001 for a short period, Jim is delighted to be back with band for what he hopes to be a long and enjoyable stay.