He'd been ill for a number of years with throat cancer.
Talking to Sky News, John Sheahan said of his former bandmate: "He was bubbly character, always ready to share a joke, a natural raconteur."
Adds Hot Press Editor Niall Stokes: "Jim was one of the great Irish balladeers and a huge presence, both on and off stage."
Also paying tribute are The Wolf Tones who say, "Our condolences to his friends and family. A great ballad singer and performer" and The Irish Rovers who speak of the "great loss to the traditional music world."