Jim was born and raised in Los Alamos, New Mexico (yes he does glow in the dark). He started playing drums in 5th grade and later earned a scholarship to ASU. Jim graduated with a B.A. in Percussion Performance and a secondary in Jazz Performance.

Jim’s been playing Jazz, Big Band, Country, Rock, Americana, Blue-grass, Brass Band, and Southern Rock in the Phoenix area for 40 years. He played in country groups that opened for Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban and Gary Allan at the Phoenix Cardinal stadium and for Clint Black at the Celebrity Theater. 

Jim has played with the Phoenix, Sun City, and Mesa Symphonies, as well as the Salt River Brass. He played on the Lou King Radio Show, live at tower plaza in the 1980’s and in the pit orchestra for a number of Broadway plays in Phoenix.

Jim accompanied the Treme Brass Band from New Orleans and local jazz artists Dave Henning, Stan Sorenson, Rico Angelo, Paul Anderson, Les Paul Roque, Margo Reed and Judy Roberts.

Jim performed at the Chandler Jazz Festival, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe Centers for the Arts, Tucson, Prescott, Flagstaff Folk Festivals, Scottsdale Live and Local, Tempe and Scottsdale Arts Festivals.

Jim worked with 4th graders all around the Phoenix area for 14 years helping to teach about jazz and encourage involvement in music programs.

Besides all percussion and drums Jim also plays banjo, piano, bass, mandolin, accordion, tenor guitar, and harmonica.

Jim has 40 years experience in live sound engineering and studio recording. He was on staff at Scottsdale Bible Church and Chandler Christian Church for 20 years playing in the worship bands as well as acting as technical director and worship leader assistant