Who is Jim Peck from All the Little Live Things and what is their importance?

Jim is the graduate student at a local university, who is allowed to reside on the Allston's property in a tent. He believes that society has become too involved in individuals lives, and that society, as a whole, has become too dependent on modern conveniences. Joe finds Pecks humorous, as his eschewing of modern conveniences does not include his motorcycle or chemical toilet.