Ferree learned the game of golf from his father Purvis, a long-time golf professional. Purvis occasionally played on the PGA Tour between the 1930s to the 1960s. Jim Ferree was a quick learner and picked up the game of golf quickly. He attended and graduated from The University of North Carolina where he was on the golf team. He was regarded as one of the best tee-to-green players of his generation. 

 When Ferree was not playing competitively he enjoyed spending time with his family and giving back to the golf community.  Jim and his wife Karen have been long time supporters of the First Tee of the Low Country.  Jim was an exceptional teacher having worked with Golf Digest schools and taught many exceptional students including Davis Love, III, Rocco Mediate, Payne Stewart and Missy Berteotti.