Jim Barrett, known in Southern California as the "Round-Eye Pioneer," has been interested in growing plants all his life, though he knew nothing of bonsai until he was in his early 20s. After reading a bonsai ad in Sunset Magizine, he ordered a packet of free elm seeds. Although the seeds did not grow, he was hooked. When driving by the San Gabriel Nursery one day in 1954, Jim noticed their bonsai, which in those days were displayed on tables within as little as 10 feet from the street. He stopped in and purchased his first trees: two Japanese black pine and two upright (prostrate) junipers. He still has one of the junipers.

In the fall of 1958, Jim met Khan Komai when Mr. Komai opened his nursery in Temple City, California. Jim spent as much time as he could at the nursery, learning all he could from Khan, and when it became apparent that Jim was serious about this art, Khan introduced him to the Japanese bonsai community. Khan's father-in-law, Mr. Nagata, was a prime source of information and an inspiration to everyone who knew him. As time went on Mr. Komai decided that he would sponsor classes at his nursery and that Jim should be the teacher. This was either in 1960 or 1961 and Jim has been teaching bonsai ever since. Jim has traveled throughout the United States, as well as to Canada, Colombia, South America and Australia.

Jim has been a featured speaker at many conventions and has worked for many bonsai associations. He is past president of Bonsai Clubs International, the first president of Golden State Bonsai Federation, the founding president of the Santa Anita Bonsai Society and currently serves on the American Bonsai Society's board of directors. Always interested in ceramics, Jim has for the past three decades been making bonsai pots. Although known for his shohin and mini-pots, his main interest lies in making large containers modeled after Japanese- and Chinese-style pots.

Though Jim has never taken formal bonsai lessons or classes, he attributes his success to the many Japanese bonsai experts in Southern California and gives them credit for the generous sharing of their knowledge and friendship.