Jim was born and raised in Madison, having attended Madison West High School. Undergraduate studies were done at Marquette University, majoring in philosophy and theology. He obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota and later earned a Masters in Administrative Medicine from the University of Wisconsin. Education has been the focus of Jims career, and he has attended several academies studying the art and science of esthetics and occlusion (TMJ, muscles, and function.) He is a member of the American Academy of Advanced Laser Studies, Academy of General Dentistry (fellowship status), and the American Academy of Dental Implants. He has served on the Boards of Vilas Zoo, Country Day School, Evergreen State Bank, and Stoughton Investments of Nevada. He was the founder and managing partner of Excellence in Dentistry for over 25 years. He has 2 children, a dentist, and a nurse practitioner, as well as a miniature Goldendoodle who keeps the office entertained daily with his presence.