The son of British migrants, Jim attended Sydney Boys’ High and Sydney Teachers’ College. He taught in schools and universities in NSW and Britain, has two masters’ degrees in literature, from New England University and the University of Wales in the UK, and is the author of 24 books.

Jim’s book, Australia’s Best Unknown Stories, made it into the top ten best-seller list for his publishers Allen & Unwin. He was Writer in Residence at Charles Sturt University in 2011 and has also taught writing, performance skills and song-writing for The Arts Council of NSW, University of New England, SA Arts Council, Victorian Folk Council and Australian Performing Rights Association.

A professional entertainer since 1988, Jim has recorded for Festival, Sony and ABC Music and has had many songs in the Country Music Charts, including a number one with ‘Since Cheryl Went Feral’ and a national hit with ‘Don’t Call Wagga Wagga Wagga’. He won the Comedy Song of The Year award four times and toured his own show for many years.

Jim still performs as an entertainer and speaker, works in radio as the Australiana expert on 2UE.
Jim was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the Australia Day Honour's List in 2016, 'for service to the performing arts as an entertainer, author, broadcaster and historian'.