For a few years before embarking on the full-time music career, Jim was the Director of two outdoor adventure based programs.  One was for mentally and physically challenged children and adults, and the second was for adolescent and young adult folks enrolled in substance abuse program.  Both experiences were very rewarding in their own way. 

Jim has always had a great love of the outdoors and for Northern Wisconsin in particular.  In fact, the first thing that brought Jim to the area was his very first venture on cross country skis.  This experience just happened to be (very fortunately for him!) at Minocqua Winter Park back in December of 1983.  That Christmas week experience truly shaped Jim’s life as skiing and ski racing has been a big part of his daily routine ever since.  Jim has raced in many Worldloppet races, not the least of which is his 23 Birkebeiner finishes.  He regularly skis out of the Elite wave with a top finish of 53rd place a couple of years ago.  

Jim and his family split their time between their home in Elgin, IL, and their home on MadelineLake in Woodruff.  Jim’s very supportive wife of the past nine years is Becky, and he has three wonderful children - Tyler (age 7), Tessa (age 6) and Ivy (age 2).  If not before, you’ll definitely see them out “Beatin‘ the Bunny” on Lakeland Loppet day. 

Jim is very excited to be taking on this new challenge and he has many new and exciting ideas and plans for the future of Minocqua Winter Park.  If you have thoughts, or ideas you’d like to share, don’t hesitate to email Jim at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it