University of California, Santa Cruz

Jim is a native of Santa Cruz, where he graduated from Santa Cruz High. He received a bachelor's degree in Student Ministry from Azuza Pacific University and a master's degree in Sport Management from San Jose State University. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the NSCA, a Certified Sports Performance Coach with USA Weightlifting, and has over 20 years of experience working in the collegiate and private fitness fields.

Jim is also heavily involved in the sport of track and field, holding two Level-2 coaching certifications with USA Track & Field, and having coached on the high school, collegiate, and professional levels for the past 25 years. He spends most of his free time trail running in UCSC's upper campus, Pogonip Park, and Wilder Ranch, as well as playing with his son.