Pastor Jim and wife Monica both grew up in south central Iowa, met at the University of Iowa and married after graduation. Sensing the call to full-time pastoral ministry within a year of so, Jim enrolled at Dallas Theological Seminary where he completed a Master in Theology  degree in New Testament studies, graduating in 2003. Previous pastorates include Twynholm Baptist Church in London, England; Senior Pastor at Wellspring EFC in Mount Pleasant, Iowa; and almost four years at Dix Hills EFC. Jim was ordained with the Evangelical Free Church in January 2016.

Jim has been married to his wife, Monica since 1998. they have three children; Jacob, Macie and William. The family arrived in Rapid City January 12, 2022.