Biography
Jim has been a lifelong resident of the Chicago area. Before retiring in 2022, he spent most of his career specializing in adaptive reuse, representing developers in purchasing large commercial and industrial buildings in the south and west loop and converting them into residential lofts with first floor commercial spaces. He began planning for his post-work life in 2005 by starting the Basic Program at the Graham School and has continued taking courses since he obtained his certificate in 2009.
Jim is a lifelong advocate of education at all levels. Early in his legal career, he taught at a local paralegal school, developing courses for real estate and probate classes. During this time, he was chosen as teacher of the year at the school. For the past 12 years, he has served on the board of directors for The Montessori School of Englewood, a Chicago Public Charter School in West Englewood. At the school, he attempted to (unsuccessfully) teach critical thinking to 7th and 8th graders by teaching Socrates’ The Meno using the same material used in The Basic Program. It was a learning experience for him! It also allowed him to experience teaching in the inner city and gave him a new appreciation for the teachers at the school. Jim also serves on the board of a preschool.
The Basic Program allowed Jim to explore many of the great literature and philosophy books with wonderful teachers that were missing from his college education. His two favorite novels from his years in the Basic Program were Grapes of Wrath and War and Peace and he had great instructors for both books.