Fr Jim was born in Dundee and was educated in the local Catholic schools. After completing a degree in Zoology and Microbiology at Dundee University he worked for various conservation charities. In his late 20’s he entered the National Scots College in Glasgow where he trained for the priesthood.

Ordained in 2005 he served for four years as the Assistant Priest in Monifieth, Carnoustie, and Arbroath, before being appointed Parish Priest at St Stephen’s Blairgowrie, St Luan’s Alyth, and St Mary’s Coupar Angus, from 2010 to 2013. From December 2013 Fr Jim served the parishes in the North East of Dundee until his appointment as Spiritual Director at the Scots College in Rome in May 2018.

This four year appointment concluded in June 2022 whereafter he took up the appointment as Parish Priest in St Mary’s Lochee, and (from 2022-23) as Moderator to the parishes of Ss Leonard’s & Fergus, and St Columba's.

Fr Jim also helps coordinate Chaplain cover for Ninewells hospital.