Jim joined the United States Navy in July 1963. Basic Training and Machinist Mate ‘A” School was at Great Lakes Naval Training Center at Great Lakes, Illinois. Jim was then transferred to Nuclear Power School in Bainbridge Maryland and then to the Nuclear Power Prototype in West Milton, NY. Jim then transferred to the US Naval Submarine School New London, Groton Conn. After completion of training he was assigned to the USS Patrick Henry SSBN 599. Jim made 8 Patrols and was awarded ‘SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia with 8 Stars”.

Jim joined the VFW in December 2010 and was elected Post Quartermaster in April 2011, Post Commander in 2012 for 2 terms, Quartermaster for another term, and trustee and other positions in the Post 6598. The Post qualified as All-State 2 times as Commander and once as Quartermaster. Jim has also been officer in District 2 starting in 2012 as Jr., Sr. Vice and then Commander. He was Commander 2 years and was All-State / All-American District Commander 2016 – 2017. He is currently District Quartermaster / Adjutant and inspector. He was elected Department Surgeon for 2018 – 2019 and Department Judge Advocate for 2019 – 2020.