From the time I was old enough to set on my Dad’s lap and play rhythm on the guitar while he made the chords, I knew I wanted to do something with music in my life. I guess I started out singing and playing gospel songs that my Dad’s stepmom showed me after Pop got me my first guitar when I was nine. It was a little electric rig with a small amp. (I still have it!) The rest, as they say, is history! From singing in the little country church with Jewel (Dad’s stepmom) to sitting in choir class with Steve Straub. (We went to grade school together.) to my first talent show at Indian Springs. There was a lady in the audience who asked me to sing on a little country show for her. Jeannie’s Midwest Jamboree from Leavenworth, Kansas. Well that was it. I had the bug and there was no turnin back. My Mom hauled me and my uncle’s borrowed guitar all over the country. From then on most Saturday evenings found us in the car going somewhere to a show. Performing at most of the shows in the region was great fun and I didn’t have to deal with the drunks or the smoke that my Dad put up with when he was playing clubs. Best of all I got to meet some of the nicest people God ever put on this earth.

Watch Jim sing “Stardust” (Quicktime, 12 MB)

My high school sweet heart (who I married) followed me around and put up with my craziness for years. After our son was born a season at The Lake of The Ozarks playing at Lee Mace’s Ozark Opry found me at home at the end of the season unemployed and heading into winter. I decided then that I would always have a steady job and income for my family and that music would be a fun thing for me from then on.

When Glen Smith asked me if I would MC for him if he opened up a show in the old auction building in Tongie (in 1994), I thought he was nuts. But we were truly blessed with the greatest group of artists and friends I could ever imagine. Working with this band at Glen’s Opry and now at Annie’s Country Jubilee has always been a joy for me. Terry and Annie Dunavin are the greatest folks in the world to work for (you can’t really call it work) and we have the most loyal crowd here that I have ever known.

My son Clayton acquired a love for music and plays guitar and sings and my daughter Melissa sings and even performs with her old man from time to time. (yeah I’m proud) My musical family here is truly one of the greatest blessings in my life and I want to thank them and you, the fans for making music fun for me.

Always remember … good night, God bless y’all, and be careful going home!