Deacon Jim was ordained a Deacon May 13, 1978 in the Diocese of Trenton (three years prior to the establishment of the Diocese of Metuchen). He was assigned to his home parish Saint James. He and his wife Kathy started the High School Sharing program at St. James in 1980 at the request of the then pastor Fr. Joseph Wade.

Deacon Jim retired from ordinary active ministry in February, 2005.  He remains a deacon and retains the faculties, rights and obligatin he received at his ordination.  He may continue to function on occasions or as may be requested.

In addition to his ministrial responsibilities at Saint James he  served in several diocesan assignments including: Associate Director of the Diaconate (Kathy served as Associate Director of the Deconate/Wives of Deacons and Candidates for seventeen years.), Director of Social Action, Vicar for Charities and Social Ministry and as Chairman of the Board of Catholic Charities. Since the diocese was formed he has served on a number of diocesan commissions, councils and committees. He is currently a member of the Diocesan Planning and Organization Commission. He is a recipient of the Papal Award: Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice.

Deacon Jim was born in Jerseyville, Illinois. He served in the Navy during WWII. Following his discharge he attended Shurtliff College in Alton, Illinois and Washington University in St. Louis Mo. He was employed by Illinois Bell Telephone Co,. and later transferred to the parent company AT&T in new York/Basking ridge. He retired as Division Manager-Public Relations to give more time to his ministry.

He and Kathy have been married for fifty four years. They have two children and five grandchildren. He enjoys reading, writing, golf and spending quality time with his wife Kathy.