The music bug hit Jim early.  Born in East Los Angeles and raised in the suburb of Whittier as the youngest of four children, Jim was encouraged by his family to pursue his musical aspirations at an early age.  By the age of seven Jim was playing guitar, and by the age of 11 was taking formal lessons. In high school, he switched from guitar to bass - a vintage Gibson Grabber gifted by his father Felipe Macias Rojas - when asked to join a new church band called “Redeemed.” Jim still cherishes that bass to this day.

Over the years, Jim learned the art of bass playing under the guidance of some key mentors: Songwriter and vocalist, Rick Riso (The Lion King, Polar Express) taught him the importance of locking into a drummer’s groove.  David Benoit’s bass player, Bob Feldman, taught him the importance of enhancing his chart reading and technique. Bassist and good friend John Patitucci (Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, John Mayer, Sting) taught him about flawless precision and left hand strength.  Bassist John Peña (Arturo Sandoval, Carlos Santana, Herb Albert, Nina Simone) taught him about the Afro-Cuban style of tumbao, as well as how to be a relaxed and allow a greater sense of style and sophistication to be expressed through his bass playing. 

Jim holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and taught high school history, government and Advanced Placement Psychology for 37 years. Jim began playing music professionally for a dinner-theater show at Tibbie’s Music Hall in Newport Beach, CA, after which he joined the cover band Suave from 2000 until 2003.  In 2015, Jim became the bassist for classic rock band Old School Players of Los Angeles (OSPLA) that still performs to this day.