Born in Green Bay, Jim graduated Premontre High School before moving to Milwaukee, where he began his career as an electrician. In 1999, he founded Avant Garde Body Piercing in West Allis, becoming the oldest licensed body piercer in the state. His work wasn’t just technical, it was personal, artistic, and deeply respectful of the people he served. Over the years, Jim collaborated with the State of Wisconsin to revise and update legislation governing body art, and taught courses to medical staff on the care and removal of piercings and jewelry.

Jim was a fierce advocate and beloved figure in Wisconsin’s Pride community. Since 2006, he served as President of the Milwaukee Pride Parade, helping it grow from fewer than 15 entries to more than 200 by 2025. In 2023, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors formally recognized Jim for his contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, a testament to his tireless work, bold spirit, and unwavering belief in inclusion.

Jim’s creativity and curiosity were boundless. He was an avid fan of Lego, and never missed an episode of “Bob’s Burgers” or “This Old House.” He loved to tinker, whether rebuilding an entire building from the studs or crafting a simple wall shelf. If something was broken, Jim could fix it, and he loved doing so.

Family and friends were at the heart of Jim’s life. He cherished birthdays, Friday dinners, and any excuse to gather. He never minded a messy kitchen as long as it was filled with loved ones. Jim brought laughter and warmth to every room. And though he could be a bit of a curmudgeon on occasion, it only added to his charm. His gruffness was always softened by the deep love he carried for his family and friends.

To his family, Jim was more than a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was everything. He was the heart of every gathering, the source of every laugh, and the steady hand behind every project. His love was felt in the smallest gestures: A cookie slipped to a grandchild, a joke told at just the right moment, a project built with care. His presence was a gift, and his absence leaves a space that can never be filled.

Jim’s legacy is not only in the community he served or the businesses he built, but in the countless moments of joy, comfort, and love he gave to those closest to him. He will be remembered not just for what he did, but for who he was: The center of his family’s world, and the light that made every day brighter.