Jim has degrees from Adrian College(B.A.), Siena Heights University(M.A.), and Eastern Michigan University(Sp.A.). He has over 40 years of experience working in mental health in a number of settings. He spent the first eight years of his professional career serving as a teacher, counselor, and coach. Following his teaching career, Jim was a school psychologist with the Saline Area Schools(3 years), and Ann Arbor Pioneer High School(21 years). During this time, Jim was also a clinical psychologist and consultant with Boysville and several mental health clinics.