Jim Sharkey is an Irish and Americana folk musician and songwriter. Jim grew up near Ballaghadereen in County Roscommon, and immigrated to the United States in 1982 when he joined the US Navy in London, England. He spent five years as a photographer on the USS Dixon in San Diego, California, and ten years working in television and video production in North Carolina and Maine. Later he taught children with special needs but decided to spend more time playing and writing music in 2014. He plays around Virginia, North and South Carolina, Maryland, and Washington DC, accompanying himself on guitar and harmonica. Jim's original songs blend Irish traditional ballad influences with contemporary issues that are often set in the area he resides. He has recorded one CD of Irish favorites and three CDs of original music: Sweet Anne's Road, Misty Morning Rain, and his newest release, A Lovely Day.