Learn about Jim's history of serving the state of Montana
Taxation, Chairman
Committee on Committees, Chairman
Water Policy Interim Committee, Chairman
Revenue and Transportation Interim Committee
Legislative Audit
Education
Rules
I am 66 years old and was raised on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania. I earned a degree in Behavioral Physiology from San Francisco State College, and worked for two years as a research assistant at Sonoma State Hospital (a state home for the developmentally disabled) in California. I moved to Trout Creek in 1975, where I pioneered the 33 Ranch out of cut-over timberland and have ranched it, farmed it, and harvested timber from it since then.
I served eight years in the Montana House of Representatives.
In 1996, I decided against running for reelection in order to devote some time and attention to the ranch.
After a four year rest, I decided to re-enter politics and in 2000 I earned a seat in The Montana State Senate.
1984-87 - Chairman, Trout Creek Dump Board
1987-89 - Member, Sanders County Solid Waste Board
1983-89 - Supervisor, Green Mountain Conservation District
1986-89 - Member, Sanders County Agricultural Advisory Committee
1989-97 - Member, Montana House of Representatives
1989-97 - Fish and Game Committee (Vice Chair, '89-'91; Chair, '91-'83)
1989-97 - Taxation Committee
2000-present- Montana State Senator from District 36
2005 - Chair, Senate Taxation Committee; Chair,
Revenue and Transportation Interim Committee
2007-present - Rules Committee, Vice Chairman
Home .......