Jim's wrestling career began in Milton, PA, where he wrestled and played football and baseball. From 1960-62 he attended Lock Haven State University where he was mentored by Pa Wrestling HOF Coach Hubert "Hub" Jack. He later transferred to UW Superior where another coach was to have a profound influence on his and many other athlete's lives. That coach was George Martin Hall of Fame member and National Hall of Fame member, Americo "Mertz" Morterelli. In 2011 Jim received the “Mertz Morterelli Coaching Achievement Award and was inducted into the UW Superior Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011.
After graduating with a degree in Biology in 1966, Jim accepted a position with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Arizona. He was "recruited" back to Wisconsin when the superintendent at Waunakee called "Mertz" asking if he could recommend a coach for their new program. Mertz answered... "Give Jim a call", he'll come back". As predicted, he accepted a position to teach Biology and coach wrestling, football and track at Waunakee in 1967.
As WWCA area representative (1972-77) and HOF chair, Jim presented the WWCA Executive Committee with the groundwork for the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame. He regularly met with Thelma Martin, Bob Spicuzza and Don Hartman. Jim and the HOF committee, were able to sift Wisconsin's wrestling history for worthy candidates. He had the honor of being the presentor at the Hall of Fame breakfast in Union South for the induction of the Charter class of the George Martin Hall of Fame in February of 1977.
In 1977 feeling the urge to explore other horizons he, his wife Nona, and two sons moved to Hawaii, then on to Pennsylvania where he coached football and wrestling at two high schools, one being his alma mater in Milton.
In 1984, encouraged by former friends and colleagues, Jim and his family returned to Waunakee, old friends, and Wisconsin wrestling. He had the pleasure of coaching his own sons, Todd, Scott and A.J. to successful high school careers. His wrestlers added 2 state champions (including son Scott) to it's list of 27 state participants, and 9 place winners. During Jim's 30 years coaching at Waunakee (27) and Milton(3), his teams recorded 327 wins and 5 Conference titles. In addition his wrestlers have won 43 conference, 57 regional, and 17 sectional individual championships. He also assisted with the WI Jr. Freestyle team.
In 1995, Jim was honored by being selected as Wisconsin's Environmental Educator of the Year by the Wisconsin Environmental Education Association. He led environmental study groups on expeditions to the Northern Rockies, Isle Royal, and the Boundary Waters. From 1987 to 1998 he served on the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute Advisory board at Northland College. Jim retired from coaching in 1996 and from teaching in 1999. After retirement he constructed and restored log homes. For enjoyment he enjoys bow hunting, photography, writing, reading and collecting numerous types of nostalgia from boyhood.
In 2002, Don Hartman chaired an effort for the WWCA. He proposed to write and publish a history of the association. Jim was 5000 miles west of Wisconsin, but agreed to join Don and others in the effort. After completing that project, the group desired to continue to promote wrestling by collecting and preserving Wisconsin Wrestling history. A group, the WWCA Alumni, a.k.a., the Sages was formed under the umbrella of the WWCA. Jim was selected to chair the group. With the help of many others, he edited a book "Wisconsin Wrestling 1940-2007".
He attributes his success to a supportive school, community, friends, parents, wrestlers and the Waunakee Wrestlebackers, but especially to his wife, Nona and three sons, Todd, Scott and Andrew. "We were a wrestling family. A wife with patience and understanding, and sons who seldom questioned parental, educational, or coaching decisions. We have been fortunate to have shared a wrestling life. It was fun."