Jim, born in Des Moines, Iowa, started heading west for undergraduate study at the University of Colorado, Boulder and graduate study in Berkeley. He received his Doctorate of Ministry from Andover Newton Seminary and was ordained in the United Church of Christ in 1990.

In 1993, after serving churches in Berkeley and Corona Del Mar, California, he became the Sr. Minister of the West Concord Union Church, in Massachusetts. In 1999 he became the Sr. Minister at the Congregational Church of San Mateo, California. He also served as an adjunct faculty member at Pacific School of Religion; as president of the Peninsula Clergy Network which links 400 clergy with other area civic leaders; and as a board member of the Mission Hospice of San Mateo County. He has also served as a guest lecturer at Tufts University, Andover Newton Theological School, American Baptist School and Pacific School of Religion, as well as a keynote speaker for numerous denominational events.

When Jim is not at church he loves to play golf, basketball, handball, tennis, or just about any sport.