Jim's wrestling career began in Milton, PA, where he wrestled and played football. From 1960-62 he attended Lock haven State University where he was mentored by PA HOFF Coach Hubert "Hub" Jack. Later he transferred to UW Superior where another coach was to have a profound influence on his and many athletes lives. That coach was George Martin Hall of Fame member, Americo "Mertz" Morterelli. After graduating with a degree in Biology in 1966, Jim accepted a position with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Arizona. Within a year 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 accepted a position to teach Biology and coach wrestling and football 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, and with assistance of the HOF committee, was able to sift Wisconsin's wrestling history for worthy candidates. He had the honor of hosting the Hall of Fame breakfast and inducting the Charter class in 1977. Also in 1977 the urge to explore other horizons took he and his wife Nona, and sons to Hawaii and shortly after to Pennsylvania where he coached football and wrestling at two high schools, one being his alma mater, Milton, PA. In 1983, 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. Proudly, the reins now belong to Rich Hellenbrand, a 1972 Waunakee wrestling alumnus. 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 championships. He also assisted with the WI Jr. Freestyle team for several years. In 1995, Jim was honored by being selected as Wisconsin's Environmental Educator of the Year by the WI Environmental Education Association and served on the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute Advisory board at Northland College for 10 years. Jim retired from coaching in 1996 and from teaching in 1999. For many years he has been constructing and restoring log homes. He also enjoys bow hunting and salmon fishing. 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."