Jim

I grew up in North Carolina but have traveled all over the world in the tobacco business. My travels include Brazil, China, Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Malawi and England. I no longer work in the tobacco industry. There have been many layoffs in the last 10 years. My present occupation is in the insurance industry as a sales associate with Alac. You know, that crazy duck! I began playing guitar after seeing Chicago featuring the amazing Terry Kath. I begged my parents for a guitar and got one on Christmas morning when I was just 15 years old. Guitar quickly became my life! Another defining moment came when I saw BB King on The Midnight Special. I was determined to master his vibrato, bends and sound.My other early influences included Santana, Cream, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck, Three Dog Night and The Allman Brothers Band. From there I discovered through time the originals blues masters like Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Albert King, Freddie King, BB King, Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, T Bone Walker and Robert Johnson, to name a few. I played with my first band in High School and played Farmville Central's talent show. Many bands have followed through the years. I presently play lead guitar with Nite Owl, a classic rock and blues band out of eastern North Carolina. We are all very experienced musicians and have a lot of fun but we don't take it to seriously. I have been married 15 years to my wife Patti who is very supportive of me. We do not have any children. We do have a one year old black Lab named BB that is our pride and joy! My other interest include photography, painting, cooking, writing music, fishing and golf.