Jim is a graduate of Central Michigan University where he earned a bachelors degree in chemistry in 1981. He also was a member of CMU's wrestling team and his senior season was voted most improved wrestler. After graduation, Jim continued his wrestling career and education. Jim competed in Greco- Roman wrestling enjoying a stellar career. He wrestled his way to an alternate position on the 1988 U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling team and medaled twice in both the Pan American Games and U.S. Olympic Festival. Jim also competed for the United States in over twenty international events and continuously finished in the top six of his weight class at the U.S. Greco Roman Senior Nationals. While competing, Jim also earned his doctorate degree in Optometry from Ferris State University and served as the Head Wrestling Coach at Ferris State for ten seasons. During his tenure as the Bulldogs head coach the team finished in the top twelve at Division II nationals seven times including a runner-up finish. Jim coached thirty-three Division II all­ Americans, fifteen academic all-Americans and had a record of 78-43-1 as a head coach at Ferris State. Jim also served as an assistant coach at Central Michigan University helping lay the foundation for the great success this program has recently enjoyed at the Division I level. Jim continues to teach in the school of Optometry at Ferris State University and lives with his wife and daughter in Big Rapids, Michigan. Jim has been extremely influential in the lives of many great wrestlers, coaches, and students from the state of Michigan.