Prior to joining the firm as "Of Counsel", Jim oversaw a general practice in the city of Waukesha for more than 40 years. In recent years, he primarily practiced in the Estate Planning and Business Law areas.

Jim was born in Waterloo, Iowa and attended Loras College in Dubuque, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree, magna cum laude, in 1957. He received his law degree from Marquette University in 1960. While at Marquette he was elected to the Jesuit Honor Fraternity, Alpha Sigma Nu. He was a member of the National Moot Court competition team and Law Review.

Jim is a member of the Waukesha County Bar Association and was a member of the Board of Directors of that organization for several years, as well as being its past president. Jim is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and served on its board of Governors from 1984 to 1988. Since his admission to the bar in 1960, Jim and his wife, Patti, have been residents of Waukesha County.