After graduating from Ohio University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics, he spent the next 14 years making his living as a studio potter. His desire for building took up the next 22 years. Having kept up his relationship with the local pottery community, the desire to build a membership pottery facility began to simmer. As a person who "loves pots", Jim's current desire is to open a center that would bring together a community of like-minded potters and ceramic artists.