Jim was born in Leeds and studied Fine Art at the University of Humberside before being ordained in Durham Cathedral in 2002.

Before moving to London he worked as the Church of England's only full-time Arts Chaplain in Gateshead, a town famous for the Angel of the North. During his 11 years in Gateshead, Jim ran Sanctuary Artspace, a gallery installed along the north wall of a 13th century chapel on the High Street.

He is a practicing artist and very passionate about using the arts to help people share their stories.

Jim has a penchant for bleep techno and street art, and is trying to shake off his reputation as the 'stripping vicar'.