Jim Melvin is a life long resident of Santa Rosa County. He and his wife, Audrey have two sons, one deceased; one daughter and 15 grandchildren. He is an active member of his church and the Pace Rotary Club. He is a past president of the Navarre Rotary, serving as president in 2000.

Melvin graduated high school in Santa Rosa County. After high school, he attended the University of West Florida where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration.  Upon graduation from UWF, he was selected for Air Force pilot training. Upon completion of pilot training, he served three years on active duty, and six years as an active reserve pilot.  While an active reserve pilot, his civilian career included working for a mechanical contractor and the Santa Rosa County School Board of the assistant director of maintenance and operations.  In 1979, Melvin was recalled to active duty where he served until his retirement in 1994. After his Air Force retirement, he returned to school to earn his master's degree in accounting. He was a licensed CPA, mainly working in the south end of Santa Rosa County, from Navarre to Gulf Breeze. He has retired his certificate, and is no longer engaged in the practice of public accounting. He is currently serving as Vice Chairman for the Board of County Commissioners for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.