Jim began his career as an attorney in January 1971. In 1968, he graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor's degree in business. In December 1970, he earned a juris doctor from Washburn University.

Jim is admitted to practice in all Kansas courts, including the U.S. District Court of Kansas and the U.S. Supreme Court.

He is a member of the Riley County and Kansas Bar Associations, and is active in numerous community organizations. He is a founder and past president of both the Manhattan Retirement Foundation, an ecumenical retirement facility in Manhattan, and the Flinthills Breadbasket. He is a founder and current president of the Manhattan-Ogden Public Schools foundation, and is an original organizer and current president for the Manhattan Community Foundation. He is a church leader in local and regional committees.

In his leisure time, Jim enjoys visiting with family, gardening, fishing and cooking.