The central character of the film is a challenged fourteen-year-old cognitively impaired boy named Jimmy Mitchell (portrayed by Ian Colletti).

In the quaint town of Pinery Grove, Georgia, he lives under the loving care of his family, striving to overcome the day-to-day struggles that surface.

A supernatural element coincides with his unique spiritual gift, as angelic beings he calls "Watchers", are seen throughout his everyday experiences.

Producer Gary Wheeler had previously directed two adaptations of author Robert Whitlow's novels, The List (2007) and The Trial (2010), and had chosen to only co-write and produce the film adaptation of Jimmy, a Whitlow novel published in 2005.

[2] After Whitlow's approval, Freiburger signed on to direct the film, enthusiastic about working with an actor on developing the portrayal of a mentally disabled character and "making it believable for an audience".