Born in South Wales, bred in the Peak District and coalfields of Staffordshire, Jim has a long affiliation with Orkney, spending family holidays in and around Birsay.

Joining the Royal Navy from school in ’87 as a Seaman Officer, he over a varied 30 year career became a Specialist Navigator (marine Pilot) and Master Mariner (warship). Sailing all 7 seas and visiting all the continents with the notable exception of Australia, Jim has travelled the world on a variety of naval vessels, from the smallest mine hunter to the largest aircraft carrier. He has commanded both ships and squadrons of vessels, held instructional and strategic posts and worked with an array of international organisations, navies and individuals.
Made a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation for his work on the navigation of Small Craft, he completed his career in the Ministry of Defence, leaving the service in 2017.

On leaving he continued his maritime career, working first at Peel Ports Great Yarmouth as the Head of Marine Service and Operations and then for OSI Maritime Limited as a Business Development Director.

Jim has returned to the islands he loves and looks forward to providing the strategic direction and leadership to secure a strong and prosperous maritime future for Orkney.