Jim graduated Northwest High School, McDermott, Ohio as valedictorian in 1969. He attended Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, acquiring an Associate Degree in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology. He currently lives on Duck Run Road, Lucasville, Ohio with his wife Mary Lee. They have three children, all who are registered nurses, as well as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He celebrates 27 years of sobriety and is a member of Gideons International.