Jim, a graduate of Puyallup High School, was a standout wrestler at the University of Puget Sound (1966–70), where he was a four-time letter winner and two-time national tournament competitor. He began his coaching career in 1970 as head wrestling coach at Ballou Junior High School before moving to Franklin Pierce High School in 1973, where he built one of the state’s premier programs.

During his 12 years at Franklin Pierce, Jim compiled a 107-65-2 dual meet record. His teams finished runner-up at the State Championships in 1981, 1982, and 1983, placed 5th in 1984, and captured four straight Region II titles. He coached 26 individual state placers, including five State Champions. From 1985–88, he led the wrestling program at Pacific Lutheran University, producing four NAIA national place finishers and hosting the 1988 NAIA Wrestling Tournament.

Jim later transitioned to athletic administration, serving at Franklin Pierce High School, the White River School District, and ultimately as an Assistant Executive Director of the WIAA. As one of the original co-directors of Mat Classic, he played a central role in the growth of Washington’s state wrestling championships, directing the event through 2014. He also implemented the officials’ evaluation system that elevated officiating standards statewide. A pioneer for gender equity, Jim was instrumental in the creation of girls wrestling in Washington, helping launch the first girls invitational in 2004 and paving the way for the inaugural Girls State Championships in 2007.

Beyond coaching and administration, Jim held numerous leadership roles, including President of the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Association (1981–87), Chairman of the Washington State Cultural Exchange (1978–89), and Assigning Secretary of the Western Washington Wrestling Officials Association (1989–98). He was also active in AAU and USA Wrestling at both state and national levels.

His accomplishments have been widely recognized. Jim was named AA Coach of the Year (1982), Washington State Wrestling Coach of the Year (1982), Wrestling USA “National Man of the Year” (1984), and NAIA District 1-2 Coach of the Year (1986). His many honors include induction into the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame (1989), Washington State Athletic Directors Hall of Fame (2000), and the Washington Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (2003). He also received the NIAAA National Distinguished Service Award (2004) and the NFHS Citation for Section 8 in 2012, capping a 42-year career in secondary education.