Jim is a founding member of the Northwoods Explorers of Space and Astronomy and a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador. He has directed astronomy programs to over 30,000 people since 2004. In addition to his work with the Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society, of which he was outreach director and president, Jim also won the award Amateur Astronomer of the Year (California). His interest in astronomy began when he was a teen with the Sacramento Valley Junior Astronomical Society, and he has worked in electronics and software design, science-fair and science-week programming for elementary schools. His astronomical interests have led him to work with the Astronomical Society of the Pacific to develop actives removing misconceptions about astronomy, and he also assisted in developing the nationwide NASA Sky Network, a website to manage and coordinate astronomy clubs and provide scientist-led activities that demonstrate basic principles of astronomy. He has visited numerous observatories and collected meteor imaging data for Dr. Peter Jenniskens.
Born in California, although his parents were from Wisconsin, Jim traveled to Wisconsin nearly every year beginning at age 5. He now lives year-round on his grandparents’ lot (purchased in 1948), with a newly-built observatory on his roof.
