Jim returned to the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago where he had grown up after 6 years in the Air Force. Jim was married to Deb Pearcy in 1982. They moved to McHenry County in 1983 and built a home in Cary. After the birth of their son Steven and daughter Danielle, they moved to Marengo in 1998, building a new home where he and Deb live today.

Jim worked in several management roles in the computer, manufacturing, and automotive industries during which he developed and ran new manufacturing facilities and taught “Lean Manufacturing” tools and processes internationally.

Jim retired as Director of Business Services for McHenry County College in 2024. He is an active member of Crystal Lake’s American Legion Post 171.

Jim was a volunteer with the Coast Guard Auxiliary for 17 years, holding the staff rank of Publications Officer. He is also an author and has written a travel memoir from his early years. Jim has also been a contributor to manufacturing industry publications as well as MCHS’s own “Tracer” magazine.

Jim has always been interested in history and has enjoyed researching his family’s genealogy. Jim enjoys restoring classic Jeep vehicles and woodworking.

Jim has found it very rewarding to interact with the Historical Society staff and to help preserve the displays and collections for education and for future generations. He currently serves on the Building Committee.