Growing up among the lakes and meadows of southeastern Michigan encouraged Jim to pursue a B.S in Zoology and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of California, Berkeley. Since 1972 Jim has served as a professor of biology at IPFW. Through his involvement with the Indiana Academy of Science (including serving as President and Secretary) and Acres Land Trust since the 1970's, Jim has taken active roles in conservation and preservation of Indiana's natural biological and geological heritage. Jim was re-appointed by Noble County Circuit Court Judge G. David Laur to a four-year term to end in 2020.