Jim graduated from Quigley
and then pursued a B.A. in Philosophy (1965) and a S.T.B. in Theology (1967) from St. Mary
of the Lake Seminary. He served three terms
in the state legislature (1972-1978) and in 1983 was assistant to Chicago's mayor, Harold
Washington. From 1979 to 1997 he was
president of All-Circo, Inc., a private consulting firm focusing on government affairs and
business planning. Presently he is the Cook
County Assessor.Involvement in civic and community organizations also occupies his time. Since 2002, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Joffrey Ballet, and from 1997 to the present, a member of the Economic Club. He has also held the position of Stowe School Principal and supports the Irish Fellowship Club.
Jim's work in government, business, and the community has been acknowledged by many groups and organizations. The City Club of Chicago named him the 2001 Citizen of the Year. The South Suburban Coordinated Democrats recognized him with the Democratic Innovator of the Year Award in 2000. He has received awards as Best Legislator from the Independent Voters of Illinois as well as from the Illinois Education Association. The Illinois League of Conservation has acknowledged his work with the Susan B. Anthony Award and the Golden Environment Award. Jim has also received the First Annual Public Service Award for Outstanding Public Service to West Town and the Community Award from West Town United. The United Auto Workers honored him with the Independent Legislature Leadership Award, and the National Clearinghouse for Legal Services recognized him with the Pro-Bono Legislative Service Award.
Jim resides on the north side with his wife, Ann Tighe, and are members of Old St. Pat's Parish. They have two sons, Mike and Dan.