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James "Jimmy" Peake, a.k.a. Jazzman, was a gangster in Gotham City. He was more of an "ordinary" crook as opposed to the "theme villians" of Batman's Rogues' gallery, although he peppered his sentences with many musical terms and his mannerisms and attire strongly suggested a 1920s-era gangster. This was further reinforced as Peake's major offense was smuggling, and the 1920s were most infamous for alcohol smuggling.
History
Jimmy Peake was a gangster in Gotham City involved in an illegal smuggling operation. When Lieutenant James Gordon busted him, Peake swore revenge upon being delivered to the authorities. It was later revealed his motive for vengeance, besides getting arrested, was that the smuggling run, had it succeeded, would have made Peake a very wealthy man.
Six years later, Peake, now Jazzman, initiated a drug sale and lured the Police Department into a trap. When Gordon was set to get Jazzman, he was severely wounded and taken to the hospital as Batman subdued the gangster.
Batman defeats the Jazzman
Due to Gotham City Jail being overcrowded at the time, Judge Maria Vargas sentenced Jazzman to Stonegate Penitentiary to await trial. However, Jazzman escaped and instead of fleeing, he went straight to Gotham Hospital to finish off Gordon. Fortunately, Batman intervened and a brutal fight ensued between the two vengeful foes. Jazzman would have finished Gordon off had it not been for Batman destroying the gun at the final moment with a well-aimed Batarang. Harvey Bullock arrived and immediately arrested the Jazzman.