Jim graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1975 earning a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees majoring in Economics. In September, 1980 Jim moved to Colorado after receiving a scholarship to attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins.  While pursuing advanced coursework in economics, Jim taught large classes in Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics and instructed small senior level classes in Money and Banking. 

In February, 1986 Jim took a job at the Economic Outlook Center at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona and did research, analysis and forecasts of economic developments for the U.S. and Arizona economies.  He also developed articles for quarterly publications on factors affecting the U.S. and Arizona economies. 

In August, 1987 Jim went to work for the Colorado Department of Revenue as the Director of the Office of Research and Analysis in Denver, Colorado.  While there he supervised analysts in conducting tax research and program analysis of the Department's operations. 

After retiring Jim continued to work at various jobs (Colorado Rockies, Enterprise Leasing, Home Depot as examples). 

Jim was proceeded in death by his parents Alfons and Maria, his sister, two brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law  and his step-son.  He is survived by his wife, Linda, his sister, two brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services were held on February  26, 2022 at the Yuma Cemetery in Yuma, Colorado.