Jim serves on the Board of Education for the Olathe School District since being elected in 2005 and has been a community steward for fiscal responsibility, consistently lowering property taxes while also increasing classroom funding and being a tireless voice for parent involvement in the educational lives of their children. In addition, Jim was recently elected by the community as a 2nd term Johnson County precinct committeeman in Overland Park.
Jim’s dad was a life-long educator of 38 years, serving as a classroom instructor for elementary and high school students, as well as the executive director for Missouri’s largest Title 1 educational program. Having grown up in meager surroundings and seeing firsthand the challenges associated with supporting a family on a teacher’s salary, Jim has been a champion for increasing teachers compensation, passionately seeing that the salaries and benefits of Olathe teachers be increased to a level amongst the best in the state.
Jim remains focused on serving underprivileged children and youth living in challenging socio-economic environments, participating as a member of the Policy Advisory Board for Olathe Head Start and conducting community fundraising for Olathe’s School Plus Program; In addition, Jim’s community involvement includes being a member of the Executive Strategy Council and one of the founding members for the North East Business Association and Maurice Holman Charter School in Wyandotte County.
Jim cares for the character and integrity development of the young minds in our community, serving as a large group leader for a weekly Sunday school program titled Christ’s Kids Club, an engaging forum with curriculum that teaches weekly Bible points in a fun and creative way for children in grades 1 through 4. In addition, Jim continues to assist with coaching youth baseball in Olathe.
Jim believes in a faith-based purpose, having served as an elected member of the executive leadership council for Christ Lutheran Church in Overland Park, as well as a member of the senior pastor search committee. Jim is an advocate for strengthening families, serving with his wife, Kim, as a member of the Kansas Family Policy Council. Jim also coordinates a Johnson County career transition group that focuses on assisting members of the community seeking employment and continues to actively manage a non-profit organization focused on assisting citizens in Johnson County, particularly seniors, with property tax assessment analysis.
“From an early age I have felt called to serve a higher purpose, characterized by the struggles and endeavors of the common man, so as to provide uplift to the downtrodden, hope to the forgotten, inspiration to the young and straightforward and honest talk to all. “
