Jim was born on September 12, 1948 in Hancock, Michigan to Charles and Sophia (Hale) Ferries. He was the baby of an active family of skiers. He attended school in Houghton, MI, where he played drums in his high school band. He also participated in the hockey and ski teams while in school.

He moved to Seattle, Washington in the mid 1970s to work with his brother Charles at K2 Skis. In 1980, Jim welcomed the birth of his daughter, Amy. He then moved to Whidbey Island, WA, to become a small business owner.

In 1988, he met his wife of 35 years, Brenda. They were married on May 24, 1990 in Freeland. Through the marriage, he gained two daughters, Kristy and Sarah.

Jim and Brenda later moved their family to Houghton, Michigan, in 1994, eventually retiring in Hurricane, UT. In 2022 they moved to Owatonna MN to be closer to family. He passed away peacefully with all his girls by his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents (Charles and Sophia).

Jim is survived by his wife Brenda; his daughters Kristy (Jon) Thiel, Amy (Andy) Roberts and Sarah McGarr; his grandchildren Jake, Abby and Ava; his brother Charles; his sisters Mary Ann and Barbara; and the many others whose lives he touched.