Jim began his Extension career as a 4-H Agent in Wood and then Rock County. He was hired as the first Livestock Youth Specialist, where he developed the first livestock literature, started the 4-H horse project, and organized the first statewide 4-H Horse Show in 1957. He then served as the Western District Director. He finished his career as the State 4-H Program Leader, where he provided administrative leadership to a grant through the National 4-H Council and W.K. Kellogg Foundation to strengthen volunteerism.