Jim Walton was born in San Jose, California. Being raised on a ranch in his early years he learned responsibility by tending to the family’s animals. Due to his father’s church service, he also lived in Australia during his 6th & 7th grade school years. From there his family moved back to Salt Lake City where Jim completed High School. This is where Jim’s passion for music began to take hold while participating in band and orchestra. His mother always exposed him to "good" music and he gained an appreciation of the classics even during his early childhood. 　　Following High School, Jim moved to upstate New York and prepared to serve an LDS mission, eventually being called to serve in South Africa for two and half years. Upon his return home from his service, he married his high school sweetheart. They have been married for 44 years and have one daughter, five sons and twenty grandchildren. They have continued to live in places around the country including Hawaii.