Born February 16, 1914 in Mineola, Howard County, Arkansas , USA.
Died September 23, 1982 in Sylmar, California, USA.
Married to Inez Wakely. Father of Lindalee Wakely & Johnny Wakely, whom he both recorded & toured with.
Jimmy had a solo #1 on the U. S. Country charts with "One Has My Name (The Other Has My Heart)" (#10 overall) and "I Love You So Much It Hurts" (#21 overall), both in 1948. He also had 11 other top 14 records from 1943 to 1951. He and Margaret Whiting reached #1 on the U. S. Country and overall U. S. chart in 1949 with their duet "Slippin' Around". They also had 8 other top 10 songs in the U. S. country charts in 1949-1951.