James William `` Jim '' Ross ( born January 3 1952 in Fort Bragg , California ) is a professional wrestling commentator . He is also known by his nicknames Good Ol' J.R. or simply J.R. . James William `` Jim '' Ross ( born January 3 , 1952 ) nicknamed `` Good Ol' J.R. '' , is a professional wrestling commentator , former professional wrestling referee , restaurateur , and former company executive of World Wrestling Entertainment ( WWE ) .