Jim was educated at local schools and Bristol University, where he gained a BA Honours degree.
He served in the RAF, leaving with the rank of Flying Officer.
Subsequently he entered the teaching profession becoming headmaster of two Birmingham schools, and for 16 years was a lecturer at Sandwell College.
He served as an Independent county councillor for Mitton from 1981 until 1993, serving on the county education, social services, planning and finance committees.
He served for three years as a member of the West Mercia Police Authority. He was also chairman of the Wyre Forest area consultative committee for education.
He has been the chairman of Wyre Forest District Council and of the leisure services committee.
A former mayor of Stourport, he represented Stour and Wilden on the Stourport Town Council for 17 years.
He was for 11 years chairman of Kidderm-inster College governors. He has been chairman of Wilden School governors.
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