Jim died June 3, 2018, at his home in Colville, WA. He was born October 11, 1929 in Libby, Montana.

Jim was raised on the family ranch in Cardwell, MT where he attended school and graduated from Whitehall High School in 1947. He enlisted in the USAF after his high school graduation and served 1949-53. Jim enrolled in the University of Montana after his discharge and graduated with a degree in education in 1956. He taught high school in Montana and Washington from 1961-63.

In 1963 Jim went to work as a contracting officer for the USFS and retired in 1984. Jim jumped at Missoula 1954-56 and West Yellowstone 1957-60.