Hillbilly Jim Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 29, 2024
Hillbilly Jim Then
Hillbilly Jim, born James Morris on July 5, 1952, in Scottsville, Kentucky, grew up with a love for wrestling and the outdoors, a fitting background for the character he would later portray in the WWF (now WWE).
Before his wrestling career took off, Morris lived a relatively modest life, embodying the hard-working, rural values that would later be reflected in his ring persona.
His early experiences in Kentucky, surrounded by a tight-knit community, played a significant role in shaping the “Hillbilly Jim” character— a friendly, down-to-earth Appalachian hillbilly with a strong moral compass and a love for country living.
Hillbilly Jim Wrestling Career
Before his iconic run as Hillbilly Jim, James Morris started his wrestling career in the late 1970s, honing his skills in various wrestling promotions.
He initially wrestled under the name “Harley Davidson” with Stampede Wrestling, where he had his first match against Karl Moffat.
Morris later moved on to the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA) in Memphis, where he teamed up with Roger Smith, known as “Dirty Rhodes,” forming a popular tag team.
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In late 1984, Morris transitioned to the WWF, where he was introduced as “Big Jim,” a wrestling fan who eventually entered the ring himself.
After receiving training from Hulk Hogan, Morris adopted the persona of Hillbilly Jim, a good-natured, shaggy-bearded Appalachian character hailing from Mud Lick, Kentucky.
Hillbilly Jim quickly became a fan favorite, known for his friendly demeanor, signature overalls, and catchy theme song, “Don’t Go Messin’ With a Country Boy.”
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Throughout his career in the WWF, Hillbilly Jim teamed up with other wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan and André the Giant, and faced off against some of the era’s most formidable opponents.
Although he was often involved in “fun” matches rather than serious storylines, Hillbilly Jim’s character left a lasting impact on wrestling fans.
After retiring from active wrestling, Morris continued to contribute to the WWE in various capacities, including as a manager, road agent, and host.
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He also became a popular radio personality, hosting “Hillbilly Jim’s Moonshine Matinee” on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel.
In 2018, his contributions to the wrestling world were recognized when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
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Hillbilly Jim Wrestling Competition
- Stampede Wrestling
- Continental Wrestling Association (CWA)
- WWF/WWE (World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment)
- WrestleMania 2 (Open Invitational Battle Royal)
- WrestleMania III (Tag Team Match involving King Kong Bundy and midget wrestlers)
- Survivor Series ’88 (Team with Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Hercules, and Koko B. Ware)
- Saturday Night’s Main Event XXVI (Match against Earthquake)
- Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania X-Seven
Hillbilly Jim Now
At 72 years old, Hillbilly Jim, born James Morris, has successfully transitioned from his days as a beloved professional wrestler to a thriving career as a radio host and entrepreneur.
Best known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from 1984 to 1991, Hillbilly Jim captivated fans with his friendly, country-boy persona.
Today, he continues to entertain audiences, not in the wrestling ring, but through the airwaves.
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Hillbilly Jim hosts a popular show on satellite radio, where he shares his love for classic country music and Southern rock.
His program has even attracted rock legends like John Fogerty, who have dropped by for a chat, showcasing the lasting appeal and influence Hillbilly Jim has within the music and entertainment industry.
In addition to his radio career, Hillbilly Jim has ventured into the food industry with his own line of beef and turkey jerky, bringing a taste of his rural roots to fans and food lovers alike.
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His entrepreneurial spirit reflects his versatile talents and passion for sharing his country lifestyle with a broader audience.
Moreover, Hillbilly Jim’s legacy continues to be honored by WWE, as evidenced by the release of a new action figure, allowing a new generation of fans to connect with the wrestling icon.
Although he may no longer be an active wrestler, Hillbilly Jim remains a significant figure in both the wrestling and entertainment worlds, continuing to make his mark in new and exciting ways.
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FAQs
Hillbilly Jim is currently a radio host on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel and runs his own line of beef and turkey jerky.
Hillbilly Jim retired from wrestling due to injuries and to pursue other opportunities outside the ring.
Hillbilly Jim stood 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighed around 320 pounds during his wrestling career.
Hillbilly Jim joined the WWE (then WWF) in late 1984.
Hillbilly Jim often teamed with André the Giant and his “family” members, such as Uncle Elmer, Cousin Luke, and Cousin Junior.
Hillbilly Jim’s WWE Hall of Fame induction speech in 2018 was notably long, lasting nearly 40 minutes.
Hillbilly Jim stopped wrestling primarily due to a knee injury that limited his in-ring ability.