Jim died July 17, 2017 at his home in Gardiner, MT. He graduated from Sturgis High School in South Dakota before attending the University of Montana as a forestry major.

After graduation, he was commissioned as a Lt. in the US Army. Following his service in the Army, Jim returned to smokejumping. He jumped at Missoula 67, 68, GAC 69 and West Yellowstone 70-77. Jim them was employed by the US Park Service until his retirement.