Jim was introduced along with his wife Liz McDonald, (Beverley Callard) and their sons Andy McDonald (Nicholas Cochrane) and Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson). His storylines have often revolved around his family relationships and various crimes, which have resulted in several stints in prison so it goes. Early storylines for the character saw Jim and Liz's infant daughter Katie die shortly after birth, an alcohol addiction, domestic abuse and divorce, paralysis, and a one-night stand with Steve's ex-girlfriend Fiona Middleton (Angela Griffin). Jim had a brief relationship with Gwen Davies (Annie Hulley), before remarrying Liz and then being sent down for the manslaughter of Jez Quigley (Lee Boardman).