Jim received his education in hospitality and business Florida State University. He also received his MBA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas.

Jim went on to a 40 year career in private clubs, joining the management and executive team at ClubCorp in 1973. During his time at ClubCorp, he held the position of Executive Vice President. After retiring from ClubCorp, Jim joined the College of Business and Dedman School of Hospitality at Florida State University. There, he took on the role of Executive in Residence.

Jim is involved in many of the associations in the industry, including PGA, CMAA, CHRIE and PGMEA. He is also a past president and a founder of PGMEA (Professional Golf Management Education Association). Jim was recently a member of the development team with CMAA education. There, he helped develop the new BMI Golf Management continuing education program for club managers. Florida State University hosts this program at World Golf Village 

Jim likes to play golf and collect antique & unique corkscrews. In his spare time he restores & shows classic cars and is an accomplished woodworker. Jim and his wife, Ginger, have been married for 51 years. His son Jeff lives in Hollywood Florida with their grandson, Tyler.