Jimmy graduated from Dadeville High School where he was an outstanding football and baseball player. Following high school he attended Jacksonville State University on a football scholarship, then to Southern Union Junior College on a baseball Scholarship before completing his degree in education at Auburn. After graduating from Auburn he began a coaching career that included assistant football coaching positions at Coosa County, Deshler, Colbert Heights and Colbert County. He was named the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Deshler High School in 1974 where in seven seasons he led the Tigers to a record of 53-40 with three state playoff appearances. Additionally Jimmy was the defensive coordinator at Colbert County in 1993and 1994 as the Indians won back to back State Championships in football.