From the lively halls of Sand Springs High School to the tense moments of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Jim’s life story is a testament to dedication, leadership, and service. His journey from a small community to prominent roles in education, business, and civic duty encapsulates the spirit of a true hometown hero.
Jim graduated from Sand Springs High School in 1956, growing up in the Bruner Hill Community. During high school, he participated in drama, debate, track, and football. After graduation, he attended the University of Oklahoma, where he served in the US Army ROTC and graduated in 1960 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He went on to complete an M.S. from Ohio State University.
After earning his master’s degree, Jim received orders to Fort Hood, TX, where his unit was selected as one of the primary units for the possible invasion of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Over the past decades, he has served as Chairman of the Board and chief engineer of his company. He also dedicated 17 years to the Board of Education for Sand Springs schools and actively contributed to the Salvation Army board, Rotary Club, and his church as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. In 2008, he was honored as a Hometown Hero.