Jim grew up on the West Coast and at the age of eight was encouraged to take up playing the trumpet. He continued his passion for the trumpet through high school and into college. Marching in the Rose Parade and performing several times at Disneyland are among his musical experiences. He continued after college playing trumpet in a jazz group that traveled throughout the United States. Years later he relocated to Roseburg, Oregon and branched out from his music to take up working with wood. Bowls and bottle stoppers are turned on the wood lathe and hair barrettes and decorative boxes are created using the bandsaw. Hand and wall mirrors are made from local woods, including myrtle wood. Maple burls are stacked in his shop waiting to become treasured pieces of art.

He also has worked with metals including silver, brass and copper. Hammers and an antique anvil are used to shape and texture the metals into individual and unique pieces of jewelry. When he wants to work on something larger, he will create lamps using a trumpet with a cymbal for the shade. He has even made a few chandeliers using wine barrel rims to create the lamp's structure.

In addition to creating in wood and metal, Jim has had success with the art of ice dying silk scarves. Using his eye for color combinations and making fascinating patterns, he creates lovely scarves. A gift of a small kiln has him spending time experimenting with the subtleties of applying enamel powder onto copper forms for jewelry. The kiln is heated to 1475 degrees Fahrenheit, the copper pieces are dusted with different shades of enamel powder, placed on metal trivets, then carefully inserted into the kiln for around two minutes. Special protective eyewear and heat resistant gloves are used during this part of the process. The pieces need to be enameled on both sides and several coats and multiple firings in the kiln are required before the enameling is finished.

Jim is one of the founding members of Roseburg's Gallery Northwest. Come to the gallery and see just some of the pieces he has available.