Jim’s childhood was split between paternal grandparents in Fort Worth, maternal grandparents in Shreveport and parents in Irving. He is a graduate of MacArthur High School in Irving and also attended UT Arlington. During his teen years, Jim was very active in the youth ministries at Northgate United Methodist Church in Irving and volunteered with the construction crew during the rebuilding of the church.
After a period of time away from the church, Jim felt God’s hand leading him back into the fold in the form of a brass ensemble known as Celebration Brass. This ecumenical ensemble, comprised primarily of brass instrumentalists, focused on leading worship through music for special occasions and sacred worship throughout the DFW Metroplex. Jim also met his wife, Karen, through this ministry.
Jim comes to St. Barnabas United Methodist Church as part of a call to ministry. Over the last several years, he has completed the Lay Servant Ministries Certification, been certified as part of the East District Pulpit Supply of the Central Texas Conference and begun the candidacy program for Licensed Local Pastor. He has most recently served in a lay capacity at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in east Fort Worth where he served on several committees, brought the children’s message during worship each week and was part of the pulpit rotation.
Jim and Karen currently reside in Rendon with their cat, Hobart. Music is very much a part of their lives. They volunteer in several ensembles across the DFW Metroplex. Jim has a passion to connect with others and to help them feel God’s love and acceptance, and music has been instrumental to that call.