Jim started diving back in 1989 in college. “I always wanted to be a scuba diver from a young age, but never thought I would get the chance.” While in college, he was offered a free discover scuba and signed up that night for the open water course offered. Moving quickly along, he received his Advanced & Rescue training and then moved on to become a PADI Divemaster in 1992. From there he did various specialties and finally took the plunge to earn his PADI instructor rating. Today, Jim is a PADI MSDT instructor.

Jim has worked in the dive industry since 1991, starting off filling tanks at a dive shop across the street from Willow Springs. He then moved on to another store were he quickly became the manager and learned the ropes of the trade, taking care of many different aspects of the business. Today, Jim is the owner and director of Atlantis Aquatics Inc., a position he is most proud of. He is also co-owner of Lake Hydra, something he could never have dreamed of when he started out. Jim has over 34 years of experience in helping people experience the underwater world. From helping divers pick out just the right equipment for them to taking them through certification, teaching them how to scuba and experience the underwater world for the first time. “One of my greatest joys, is seeing someone’s face the first time they experience open water, the big smiles. I remember that first time for me and I get to re-live it each time through my students.”

Jim loves traveling to go diving; he has experienced some amazing dives around the globe. One of the most memorable was diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. He was diving there with a close friend living in Australia at the time. The crown so far is diving in the Maldives. It was on his bucket list for some time and now he's had 5 trips there on the Manthiri Liveaboard and can't wait to go again.

“I remember watching Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea when I was a kid on TV and picking up Skin Diver magazine from time to time when at the beach with grandparents. From those early days to today, diving has influenced my life in ways I can’t even begin to image. Not sure where I would be today if it was not for diving, but I can tell you, it sure wouldn’t be this much fun…”