Jim has taught orchestra, band, jazz band and guitar for many years, primarily at Inglemoor High School. He has been a Cascade Youth Symphony coach and an Everett Youth Symphony conductor. Jim served as president of the MENC Northwest Division, was vice president of WMEA for three terms, and was organizing chair of the 2007 MENC NW Conference. He was also coordinating chair for the 2005 All-Northwest and the 2002 All-State honor groups.