Jim grew up in East Worcester, NY and graduated from Worcester Central School, graduating 19th out of 20 in his class. Jim graduated from Delhi Tech in 1966 with an associate’s degree in civil engineering technology. During this time, he met his future wife, Linda, and they were married on June 9, 1968. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Seabee during the Vietnam Era.

After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Jim attended Oswego State and earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts education. He accepted a position as a shop teacher for the Saratoga Springs City School District when Junior High was at Lake Avenue School.

Jim never stopped pursuing his education and became certified to teach all areas of high school science and elementary education. He also earned two Master’s degrees, all with the help of the GI Bill. Jim became a 7th grade science teacher in 1977 and retired in 2001 from Maple Avenue School after 32 years of public-school teaching.