Throughout grade school, Jim quickly showed natural talent on the drums, and was moved into leadership rolls. He played everywhere he could, including concert, jazz, and marching bands, as well as musicals, choir concerts, and anywhere else a drummer was needed. This included the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony, an organization that only accepted the best musicians in the city. He took various private lessons, including instructors from classical, drum corps, jazz, and rock backgrounds. Senior year he was voted as one of the most musical students in the graduating class.

Jim went to college at Cedarville University in Dayton, Ohio for two years and studied engineering, although played drums wherever he could. This included jazz bands, musical recitals, religious services, a few informal rock bands, etc, and essentially became the “drummer on call” for the school. He finished his last few years of college in his home town Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he played for various churches and community events.

Graduating college Jim quickly found a job in Portland, Oregon and moved there from Michigan in late 2005. Instantly intrigued by Portland’s vibrant music scene, he became very interested in joining a band. Through the use of Craigslist and friends, Jim played with a few groups and decided to join rock band Stillvoice, playing clubs and festivals in the area. Along the way he hooked up with other groups, including folk artist James Faretheewell, pop band Given Over, and a few solo artists. After Stillvoice, he joined rock/blues/funk group Fat Lip Lucy, who he continues to play with to this day. In early 2009, through a mutual contact, he joined Rodeo Rose...the best one yet!