After high school, Jim attended Christian Brothers College in Memphis, Tennessee, and earned a business degree. On June 12, 1971, Jim married the love of his life, Bonnie Nelson. Jim loved football, faithfully cheering on the Minnesota Vikings every season while always hoping that a Super Bowl victory would finally come. He deeply loved Bonnie, his children, and grandchildren, who called him Papa and brought him great joy. A burial with full military honors was held for Jim at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota.