Jim grew up in Almont and then on a farm in Waldenburg, Michigan. While learning farming life he also got into many legendary antics with brothers Donald and Robert (involving pulleys, ladders, vehicles, minor explosives, etc). After dropping out of high school, he became a self-studied, certified auto mechanic and worked on cars full time, also helping friends with muscle cars. His first date with Kris, his wife of nearly 52 years, was at a stock car race in Mount Clemens.  They were married September 13, 1969.

He served in the Air Force after being drafted, attending college on the GI Bill, attaining a bachelor's and master's in chemistry from Oakland University. He had his daughter Hannah along the way, in 1974. After graduating he worked for General Motors' Tech Center and welcomed his son Ethan in 1979. After working as a research scientist in toxicology for many years, he went back to school and obtained a PhD in Environmental and Industrial Health from the University of Michigan in 1995.

Jim was dedicated to protecting workers from environmental dangers, pioneering the mapping of hazardous aerosols within factories, specializing in asbestos and later mycobacteria, in the name of worker health and safety. He became one of the most prominent industrial hygienists within GM, and a GM Technical Fellow at GM R&D. He attended UAW contract negotiations to insure appropriate worker safety measures.

Along the way he pursued a private pilot's license, and taught chemistry at community college in the evenings. He loved antique John Deere tractors, eventually owning two, and was an avid bird-watcher. In retirement, along with growing a large garden, he enjoyed tracking bird sightings, the ice on the lake in view of his home, temperatures, and many other things in spreadsheets. He attended SkyWarn trainings as a volunteer storm spotter, and chaired Arcadia Township's planning commission.

Jim was a man of many interests and incredibly wide and varied knowledge. He is predeceased by parents Ben and Doris Jean (McClaren), sister-in-law Linn, and nephew Jesse. He is survived by his wife Kris, children Hannah and Ethan; brothers Donald and Robert, sister-in-law Jana, half brother Richard; grandchildren Anya and Tristan; nieces Sherry, Heather, Amanda, and Emma; nephews Jeremy, Justin and Eric; and many others.