A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jim played in orchestras up to his beginning years in college starting with cornet and later violin. He went to Indiana University, got his degree in librarianship and now works as a reference librarian for Lincoln Library, the public library of Springfield. His dedication to the program stretched over 35 years due to a passion for classical music. Jim also enjoys bicycling to work and for pleasure: reading, traveling, gardening, and trying to cook. He gives tours at the Dana Thomas House once a month. He has been a member of the selection committee for the Springfield Art Association film festival for many years. He also writes the newsletter for Hawthorne Place, one of the older planned neighborhoods of Springfield.
