Born on December 26, 1947, to Cyril and Antoinette Birge in Jasper, Indiana. After graduating from Jasper High School in 1965, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force, stationed primarily in Turkey during his enlistment. Following his Honorable Discharge from the military, Jim enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he received his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Motion Picture/Television, and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree.