Received B.A. in Education from Oklahoma State University in 1962; received an M.S. in Health Education from Southern Illinois University/Carbondale in 1964. Began career as Assistant Basketball Coach at Southern Illinois University/Carbondale in 1964.
Jim entered restaurant business in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1970. Owned and operated restaurants in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Lawton, Oklahoma until 2006. Notable restaurants were: Hungry Peddler, Texanna Reds, Harry Bears, Garfield’s, Flakey Jakes and Varsity Sports Grill.
Jim began serving the Oklahoma Restaurant Group Self Insurance Association as its Administrator in 1998. Moved to full-time service with the Association, now known as Hospitality Comp, in 2006 with the added duties of Business Development/Marketing Director.
Present job responsibilities include managing the investments of the Association’s claims reserves and members surplus. Jim is also responsible for marketing initiatives directed to the hospitality industry, for the Association’s workers’ compensation self insurance program and underwriting membership applications and renewals.
