Jim graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. He spent 19 years in emergency nursing and is a Certified Emergency Nurse. He served 23 years in the military before retiring. He had the opportunity to help open the first emergency psychiatric unit in Northeast Indiana and worked there for five years. He returned to Indiana Wesleyan University and earned his Master of Science degree in Nursing and is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner.