He has specialized in a wide variety of wildlife in cast bronze since 1964, by observing his subject in the field. He often packs in to sketch, photgraph and study his subjects in their natural habitat.

Jim obtained a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Oregon in 1968, solidifing his skills in metal casting. In recognition of his artistic skills and contributions to animal art, Jim was honored by being voted into the International Society of Animal Artists, based in New York, in 1980.

Over the years, concentration has been on the North America Elk and Wild Sheep. A long term project has been a full collection of the World's Wild Sheep in bronze. This series began with the fabulous long horned, "Ovis Ammon Poli" (Marco Polo), which was featured in the November 1983 issue of Sports Afield magazine. This bronze was quickly followed by the massive Mongolian "Ovis Ammon Ammon" the very popular "Grand Slam" bronze, depicting all four North American Sheep species together on a single bronze. The "Grand Slam bronze was also featured in Safari Club's "Sheep Special" magazine.

Jim Staffors's bronze are unique works, depicting wild life in bronze, in their natural statuesque venues.