Since 1981, Jim has developed the Masters swim concept and is currently part owner of the Dallas Aquatic Masters Swim Club, one of the top adult fitness exercise programs in the country. From 1988-1990 Jim was responsible for the design and startup of the Baylor Aquatic Center located at the Baylor Tom Landry Fitness Center in Dallas, Texas. It was the first facility ever built with the primary focus on adult fitness swimming and aquatic medical programming and research.

From 1990 through 1999 Jim served as director of the Baylor Aquatic Center. Since 1998, Jim has served as aquatics director and head varsity swim coach at Greenhill School in Dallas, Texas. Jim is licensed by the Miracle Swimming Institute as a TSI instructor and is the author of Mastering Swimming.

Jim also had a decorated career in the pool having been a consistent champion throughout his swimming career; he has held 10 world records and won 9 World Championships, 14 Masters World Championships, 14 national titles and 7 N.C.A.A. titles. As a member of the 1976 U.S.A. Olympic Team, Jim won three gold medals and one bronze medal, and was the first man ever to break 50 seconds in the 100-meter freestyle.