Jim is a lifelong resident of rural Cumbria. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1970, he followed a challenging senior managerial career in professional, industrial and educational environments, leading to specialisation in business recovery.

Since retirement Jim has served as Honorary Trustee and Finance Director of National Charities promoting amateur music making, and has been Vice Chair of the Bondholders Board of the £350m Holiday Property Bond.

Jim is presently Chair of Trustees of Carlisle Diocesan Board of Finance as well as serving as Trustee or Treasurer of many other Cumbrian charitable organisations.

Married to Eve with two sons and four grandchildren, Jim enjoys an active life on the local fells and golf courses, and gains real satisfaction from his involvement in the work of Cumbria Community Foundation as Trustee, Main Grants Panel member and also as Endowment Funder.