James grew up in Fargo and transferred to Oak Grove where he distinguished himself in both academics and athletics. Upon graduation Jim served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for six years. Kim graduated from Moorhead State University in 1965 with degrees in biology and chemistry. In the fall of 1965, Jim started medical school at the University of North Dakota. He then transferred to Ohio State University where he graduated with a medical degree in 1969. Jim served a year of internship at St. Lukes in Fargo and in 1975 completed a residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Kim went in to clinical practice with the Fargo Clinic and in 1989 he began a private practice in Otorhinolarygology. Jim and his wife Julie have three children, all graduates of Oak Grove. They also have eight grandchildren following the legacy left for them.