Born in New Zealand during the final years of World War II, Jim Cooper began his remarkable journey at the age of fifteen when he left school, bought a motorbike, strapped on a guitar, and set out to see the world. What followed was a lifetime defined by creativity, exploration, and reinvention.
After moving to Australia in 1970, Jim built a multifaceted career that spanned music, entertainment, engineering, filmmaking, and storytelling. He became a professional entertainer and recording artist, appearing on more than one hundred television programs and producing over a dozen records. Throughout his life, he also worked as a horseman, martial artist, self-taught engineer, builder, and golf course designer. Each experience added authenticity and depth to his storytelling voice.
Now a full-time author, Jim lives with his wife Helen on their semi-rural property in South East Queensland, surrounded by the memories of their beloved pets and a collection of guitars. Though he has slowed his pace slightly, his creative energy continues to shape his work and outlook on life.
A lifelong passion for storytelling has always been at the center of Jim’s artistic journey. His first published novel, Starfish Bay, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his creative career. Upcoming works include U.N.D. (Urban Nuclear Disaster), the two-part thriller series Bend It Till It Breaks, the light-hearted travel novelette An Oldies Trip to the Tip (Cape York), and The Envoy Series, a collection of action-filled adventures set in complex and compelling worlds.

Jim’s autobiography, A Scrapbook Mind, continues to evolve as a vivid reflection of a life rich in experiences, music, and stories. His journey stands as a testament to creative curiosity, resilience, and the art of lifelong reinvention.