Jim was born in Ilkeston and started his career at Hartlepool United, and played at Portsmouth before moving to Huddersfield Town, where he played under future Leeds manager Arthur Fairclough. When Fairclough moved to the newly formed Leeds United F.C.
Born in Ilkeston, Jim started his professional journey with Hartlepool United and later played for Portsmouth. He then joined Huddersfield Town, where he was managed by Arthur Fairclough, who would eventually take over as manager of Leeds United. After Fairclough's move to Leeds.