Jim began preaching while he was in high school, and can now claim over a half century of service in churches. He received the B.A. degree from Lipscomb University, with a major in Bible and a minor in speech. He received his M.A. degree from the Harding Graduate School of Religion and Bible in Memphis, and the Masters of Divinity from Southern Christian University in Montgomery. In 1993, Jim received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Abilene Christian University.

The Government Street Church of Christ in Mobile, Alabama, was Jim’s first full time preaching job. Next, he preached at the Airline Drive Church of Christ in Bossier City, Louisiana, for over 19 years, and then, began preaching at the Pipeline Road Church of Christ in Hurst, Texas. He served the Western Heights Church of Christ in Sherman, Texas, as an interim minister, and concluded his preaching career at the Kingsville Church of Christ. Upon retiring, Jim and Judy moved back to Fort Worth to be near two of three children, and to grandchildren.

Jim was married to the former Judy Sims of Detroit, Michigan, on December 20, 1964. They have three children: Randall who resides with his wife, Emily in Midland. (Randy’s daughter Jessica is a member at Lake Cities.) Jennifer, who resides with her husband, Bobby Moore in Fort Worth; and Chet who lives in Keller with his wife, Joni, and with their daughters, Hannah, Olivia, and Eleanor, and are members at Lake Cities (Chet is on staff as well). Jim and Judy also have two great grandchildren.

Beginning 2019, Jim serves as our minister of community outreach and works our senior members. While Jim recognizes that we must slow down as we get older, we are not to stop serving. He is pleased to be at the Lake Cities Church. One of his favorite verses is I Corinthians 15:58. Paul writes, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”