Jim grew up in Pasadena, where he met his wife Nancy in high school. After serving in the U.S. Army for three years with the Ninth Infantry Division, Jim attended New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering.  Jim thereafter worked for nine years with Getty-Texaco in Ventura as an engineer in both onshore and offshore operations.  In 1989 Jim elected to pursue a legal career and obtained his Juris Doctorate from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific in Sacramento.

Jim and his family moved to Bakersfield in 1992 where Jim practiced in environmental and civil litigation until 1999. In 1999 Jim successfully passed the examination for admittance to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Since 1999 the primary focus of his practice has been the prosecution of patent and trademark applications resulting in the issuance of hundreds of patents and registered trademarks.  Jim has attained an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell for ethical standards and legal ability.

Jim and Nancy have three adult children and eight grandchildren.   When not working or spending time at the grandchildren’s various athletic and musical events, Jim enjoys bicycling and playing acoustic and classical guitar.