Jim Fleri began his professional music career as a jazz drummer under the guidance of his father, Gene Fleri - a much loved and respected pianist and entertainer in New York, Miami and the mountains of western North Carolina. Self-taught, Jim gained invaluable on-the-job training from Gene in the art of musicianship, while being able to hone his craft with seasoned musicians in country club settings.

Jim explored different musical styles over the years, beginning his long-time association with Glenn Hubbard in the jazz/pop quartet, Azz Iz and later in the classic rock college band, The Animal Crackers. In the spring of 1993, he joined Cloud Nine, a band performing primarily at weddings and corporate functions, working with the group for nearly ten years. He continued to play professionally in small jazz combos as well as Dixieland bands and big bands and has performed with area artists including Matt Vance, Todd Wright, Bobby Taylor, Jim Calabrese, Charlie Ellis, Rusty Blanton and local bluegrass favorite, Liz Harmon.

In the spring of 2007, Jim and former Animal Crackers band-mate, Doug Brantz, formed The Lucky Strikes as a piano and guitar duo, later adding drummer Ken Brashear and long-time friend and former Azz Iz alumni, saxophonist Steve Roark. Now on piano, Jim has returned to the roots of his earliest musical instrument and the classic jazz genre he was introduced to as a child. His artistic influences range from pianists Erroll Garner and Vince Guaraldi to the stylistic sounds of such groups as The Nat "King" Cole Trio, The Dave Brubeck Quartet and The Count Basie Orchestra. Jim's style of playing piano and left-hand bass, a technique that was introduced to Jim by his father, was popular among traditional jazz organists.

Jim is an accomplished freelance graphic artist/illustrator and is the former Art Director for Mountain Times Publications, publisher of the Watauga Democrat, The Blowing Rocket and The Mountain Times newspapers in Boone, North Carolina. Also an avid movie buff, his extensive knowledge of cinema and the origins of many jazz standards often provides an insightful foundation to his performances. Jim currently serves on the board of The Blowing Rock Jazz Society.