Jim, 72, died June 27, 2014, on Whidbey Island, Washington. He was born in Seattle, Washington, January 21, 1942. Jim graduated from Washington State University with a degree in forestry and also from Seattle University with his MBA. While at USU, Jim played football, rugby, and was the founder of a college wilderness class. He was known for his wildlife bear photography.

Jim was an accountant instructor at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington, and jumped at NCSB during the 1966 season.