Jim was born in Prattville, Alabama, attended Hicks Memorial School, in Autaugaville, Alabama, earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, an Executive MBA from Queens University of Charlotte, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and a Ph.D. from Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina. Jim’s professional experience includes senior management positions with two banks, an investment management firm, two computing and telecommunications firms, a healthcare services firm, and teaching and senior administrative positions with four universities, most recently as an assistant vice-president with Auburn University. 

Jim is married to Nancy Golson, a native of Talladega. They have two grown sons, Brian, a partner in a private equity firm in San Francisco, and Neil, a senior brand manager for Coca-Cola in Atlanta. Brian and his wife, Alisa, have three daughters, Kate, Sloan and Eve. Neil and his wife, LesLeigh, have one daughter, Harper.

Jim is a member of the Auburn Rotary Club where he was president in 2007-2008. He currently serves as District Governor Elect for District 6880. Jim is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a Benefactor, a member of the Bequest Society, and a Major Donor with The Rotary Foundation.

One of Jim's most interesting activities with Rotary is his work with PolioPlus, Rotary's world-wide polio eradication project. Jim participated in National Immunization Days in Egypt in 2004 and in Ghana in 2006. In recognition of his work with polio eradication Jim received a special Humanitarian Services award from District 6880 in 2007.