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A native Hoosier; born in Terre Haute. A 1958. graduate of Indiana State University, he completed a tour of duty in the Army, and upon return home, earned a master’s degree in school administration. In 1964, Jim received an NDEA grant to Michigan State University where he completed an ED. S. in guidance and counseling.

He served as teacher, counselor, coach, assistant principal, principal, and professor. Jim worked extensively in charter schools and gifted education. From 1974 until 1984, he was principal of Learning Unlimited, MSD Washington Township, Marion Co., IN, a nationally recognized alternative school. He was also privileged to serve as the Executive Director of the Indiana Principal Leadership Academy, Indiana Dept. of Education.

From 1986-1996, Jim was an adjunct professor at Butler University. He worked with more than 300 teachers who received their certification as administrators through the Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals (EPPSP).

Now retired, he and his wife Doris, are enjoying family gatherings at their lake cottage, fellowship with their church family, and traveling to watch their grandchildren engaged in sports activities. The fish are biting; the ball is in the fairway. Food is in the pantry. The bills are paid. We have good health. Life is good.

THE GIFT is a collection of sixteen God-inspired poems that have come to me in the darkness of the early morning hours. I learned early to get up, turn on a light, put pen to the paper, otherwise those words would be lost forever. Each poem is has been combined with scripture and personal anecdotes that call attention to the message. Themes in include precious memories of family, childhood, school, work, loss, and rebirth.

The combination of these elements invites readers to compare and contrast their own life experiences with those of the author. Whether similar or not doesn’t matter. The personal insights come naturally as the process unfolds. Readers begin to recall the people and events that have shaped their values and impacted their lives through the good times and the bad.

THE GIFT has been rated as a 5-star book and has been the focal point of Bible study groups in three churches. Some have claimed it has the power to ‘change lives.’