Jim grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and went on to swim for James "Doc" Counsilman at Indiana University, where he won seven NCAA titles and graduated with honors from the IU School of Business. As a member of the 1976 U.S. Olympic Team, Jim won three gold medals and one bronze medal, and was the first man ever to break 50 seconds in the 100-meter freestyle. Since 1981, he has developed the Masters swim concept and is currently part owner of the Dallas Aquatic Masters Swim Club, one of the top adult fitness exercise programs in the country. From 1988 to 1990 Jim was responsible for the design and start-up of the Baylor Aquatic Center in Dallas. It was the first facility ever built with the primary focus on adult fitness swimming and aquatic medical programming and research. From 1990 through 1999 Jim served as director of the Baylor Aquatic Center. Since 1998, he has served as aquatics director and head varsity swim coach at Greenhill School. He has been a consistent champion throughout his swimming career and has held 10 world records, won nine world championships, and won 14 Masters World Championships. Jim currently lives in Dallas, Texas, with wife Diane and is father to five children: Taylor, Chase, Ann, Ellis, and Beau.