Jim and his wife Barbara are originally from northern Kentucky and have lived in Beckley for over 30 years. Jim worked as an ecologist at the USDA-ARS research center in Beaver before retiring in 2012. Since then, Jim has worked in higher education at New River Community and Technical College, Concord University, and WVU Tech. Jim has served Piney Creek Watershed Association as a board member, Associate Director, and Executive Director. Jim has managed a variety of remediation projects ranging from wetland restoration at Woodrow Wilson High School and revegetation of barren areas along New River Drive to wetland restoration at the Shady Spring Library.  Jim has always enjoyed the outdoors and loves the streams and woodlands of West Virginia. He continues to be amazed at the scenic beauty our area has to offer. He hopes that more people will take advantage of the growing local trail systems to experience, appreciate, and be moved to preserve and protect the natural treasure of the Piney Creek Watershed.