Born January 24, 1939, a native of Montevallo, Alabama, Jim Mahaffey received his B.S. in education and M.Ed. degrees from Auburn University. After 32 years of teaching, he now resides in San Antonio, Texas, employed by Southern Music Company. His teaching experience ranges from elementary school band to university and graduate level courses in band, music theory, trumpet, arranging and composition, and jazz ensemble.

Mr. Mahaffey has served as chief arranger for many bands, including Auburn University and Troy State University in Alabama, having over 125 publications. He has been music director and arranger for the Miss Georgia pageant, a performer with the Columbus (GA) Symphony Orchestra, and lead trumpeter for Billy Butterfield, June Christy, Art Mooney of Miami, Warren Covington, Tommy Dorsey, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and two tours with Fred Waring¹s All-Star Variety Show overseas. A member of Phi Beta Mu and Kappa Kappa Psi, Mr. Mahaffey¹s works have been featured at MENC, NBA, and ABA conventions.