Jim's formal education was in Technology. He holds degrees in Physics and Engineering and his postgraduate work was in Aeronautics.

After a long spell in the Aerospace Industry, he entered Academia holding teaching, research and administrative posts in various Institutions. Currently he is at the University of York and also holds a Fellowship in Computer Science at the University of Hull.

His association with Ancient Sites dates from his schooldays. As a member of the British Society of Dowsers, he undertakes research into the Geo- and Bio- Physics of Earth Energies. His special research topic is the mechanism of dowsing based on Quantum ideas in Consciousness Studies.