Jim's involvement in wrestling began in 1962 at Viroqua Senior High as a student when the sport of wrestling was first introduced at the school. The program struggled as most infant programs do. However, the lessons learned, especially from novice Coach ted Harris, have remained a major influence in Jim's coaching and teaching careers, as well as in his life. Following high school, Jim tried wrestling at UW-La Crosse, but was injured, never made it to the season opening. He became a little heavier, joined the band, and never made it back to competitive wrestling!

Despite his setback in wrestling, Jim's intense interest in athletics always remained. His collegiate goal was to teach physical education and to coach multiple sports. Jim's first job opportunity was at La Farge where the taught physical education and was the Head Wrestling Coach, the Head Track and Field Coach, and Assistant Football Coach. In this small rural high school, his first team had a total of nine wrestlers, but they filled nine of the twelve weight classes! In the fall of 1970, Jim accepted a position in Richland Center to gain more experience and knowledge working under the tutelage of Norris Hattlestad whose program was one of the strongest in the state. Jim attended Iowa State University (1972-73) to work on graduate classes and to be in the wrestling room with the National Champion Cyclones and coaches Harold Nichols and Les Anderson. Following his year at Iowa State, Jim accepted a position as the 4-H and Youth Agent in Viroqua and volunteered as a coach with Ted Harris whose wrestling program had definitely gained respect.

In the fall of 1974, Jim accepted a teaching position in Black River Falls, which also included the head wrestling and track coaching positions and later included coaching football. Over the years, Jim has concentrated on developing well-rounded young athletes by encouraging them to become involved not only in wrestling, but also in many sports and high school activities. Black River Falls has had many fine wrestling teams and outstanding individuals including two state champions. Jim has been blessed with many talented, enthusiastic, and fun-loving assistants.

In 1980 Jim was elected the District 6 representative for the WWCA and held that position for six years. In 1986, the Executive Committee asked Jim to serve as the WWCA Treasurer. Jim accepted and was the treasurer for the next 15 years. During that time he also served two terms on the WIAA Rules Advisory Committee. As treasurer, Jim drove his wife absolutely crazy at clinic registration time.

Jim and his wife Carol, who teaches high school English, have three children. Oldest daughter Amy and her husband, Oscar Uribe, live in Austin, Texas, where Amy is attending graduate school to earn a Masters Degree in Spanish Linguistics. Jason, who wrestled for Jim is a WIAA wrestling official, lives in Oconomowoc and is a Nuclear Medicine Technologist at Memorial Hospital. Cara is a senior at UW-River Falls where she is majoring in elementary education. Both girls were staticians for Dad and are still avid wrestling fans.

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