Jim Hughart was born into a family of professional musicians in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He began his music studies at the age of five, studying piano with the renowned teacher, Estelle Bastien. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Theory from the University of Minnesota. After graduation, he was drafted into the Army where he traveled throughout Europe for two years performing with the 7th Army Symphony Orchestra.

After his discharge from the Army, he joined Ella Fitzgerald, with whom he toured for three years. He settled in Southern California and has been very active in the recording studios since 1968, having participated in over 200 record albums, 300 motion picture scores, and countless television shows.

Some of the vocal artists with whom Hughart has performed and/or recorded are: Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Joe Williams, Carmen McRae, Betty Carter, Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Sammy Davis, Jr., Steve Lawrence and Edye Gorme, Barbra Streisand, Lou Rawls, Singers Unlimited, Hi-Lo's, Diana Ross, Liza Minelli, Michael Feinstein, Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits, Diane Shuur, Joao Gilberto, Blossom Dearie, Joan Baez, Vikki Carr, Rosemary Clooney, and many others.

Some of the instrumental artists with whom he has performed and/or recorded are: Joe Pass, Oscar Peterson, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Tommy Flanagan, Jack Sheldon, Dave Marsh, Toots Thielemans, Buddy Collette, Frank Rosolino, Louie Bellson, Terry Gibbs, Herb Alpert, Johnny Smith, Jimmy Rowles, John Pisano, Sonny Stitt, Dave Grusin, Hubert Laws, Patrick Williams, Tom Scott, Bill Holman Big Band, Capp-Pierce Juggernaut, Supersax, Bob Florence Limited Edition, Glendale Symphony Orchestra, The New American Orchestra, American Jazz Philharmonic and many others.

Hughart was honored by NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) which presented him with the annual MVP (Most Valuable Player) Award the maximum of three times, resulting in his receiving the prestigious MVP Emeritus Award.