Jim is a second generation native Floridian. A graduate of Florida State University, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. Following graduation, Jim was commissioned as an Air Force officer; however, he deferred active duty in order to complete law school at Florida State University and graduated with honors in 1972.

Jim served four years in Texas as an Air Force Assistant Staff Judge Advocate prosecuting and defending criminal cases. He returned to Florida in 1977, and served as an Assistant State Attorney in Clearwater for 5 1/2 years. At the State Attorney’s Office, Jim was part of a special prosecution team handling only career criminal prosecutions until he became the supervising attorney for the entire Clearwater office.

After leaving the State Attorney’s office, Jim joined the Tampa office of the Justice Department as an Assistant United States Attorney. He defended the United States in civil suits in Federal Court, including personal injury and medical malpractice claims.

Jim entered private practice in 1984, joining an established Clearwater firm, where he became a partner, and remained for 17 years. During this time his practice became one exclusively focused on personal injury litigation.

In 2001, Jim opened his own practice devoted to representing those whose lives have been affected by the wrongful act of another, including: wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents (automobile, truck and motorcycle), unsafe premises (falling merchandise, slips and falls, and inadequate security), products liability, and the damages suffered by consumers from identity theft.

Jim is a member of numerous professional organizations in addition to the Florida Bar Association, Florida Justice Association, American Association for Justice, St. Petersburg Bar Association, Clearwater Bar Association (where he served as President 1992-93), and the Mid-County Bar Association, (which he currently leads). Jim is also a member of the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

In the community, Jim has served for many years on the board of Isaiah’s Inn, a non-profit ministry serving families in need of temporary housing and support. He and his family have been active members of St. Cecelia Church since 1977. For over twenty years, Jim has also attended, and often assisted in leading, a Thursday morning men’s Bible Fellowship.

Jim and his wife, Pam married in 1972. Pam has a Master’s Degree in Special Education and taught for many years. They have two grown children, Courtney and Mark. Courtney resides in San Francisco with her husband and daughter. Mark is a medical school student at UCLA.

Away from the office, Jim and his wife enjoy traveling. Jim’s other interests have always included running and fitness, as well as other outdoors activities such as golf, biking and boating.