Previously he was a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1991 through 1996 Argue attended Little Rock Public Schools, graduated from Little Rock Hall High School, and earned a bachelor's degree in history and political science from Hendrix College in 1973.
Jim served in the Arkansas House of Representatives for six years prior to being elected to the State Senate in 1996.
Argue was named a Flemming Fellow in 1997 by the Center For Policy Alternatives in Washington, D.C. and completed a year-long course of study focused on creative solutions to state problems.
The foundation develops and administers charitable endowment funds to support United Methodist ministries in Arkansas.
He is past Chairman of the Administrative Board of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock.