Jim’s Story

Born in England in the early 1960s, Jim grew up as the son of a farm laborer in a home where shooting and countryside traditions were part of everyday life. His first rifle—a Diana .177 air rifle, given to him by his grandfather—sparked a lifelong respect for firearms and disciplined marksmanship. As a teenager, he competed on a local club’s smallbore rifle and air pistol teams.

At 17, Jim left school to join the British Army, serving in the Falklands War, in Northern Ireland, and during the Gulf War. In his final three years of service, he worked as a fieldcraft and small arms instructor, also teaching field first aid. Like all members of his unit, he was trained as both a battlefield medic and radio operator.

Jim moved to the United States in 2002 and became a citizen in 2018. Committed to serving his community, he joined the Greenville Volunteer Fire Company, where he qualified as an interior firefighter. He also served with the Greenville Rescue Squad and became a New York State EMT. Today, Jim works with local ambulance services and plays an active role in EMS education as a county course sponsor administrator, helping organize and instruct both initial EMT training and recertification programs.

In addition to his emergency service work, Jim has been teaching firearms safety since leaving the military. He is a certified instructor with the National Rifle Association and teaches New York’s 18-hour pistol permit course. He has also volunteered with Goodtydings Bible Camp, a 501(c)(3) organization providing outdoor experiences for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

Jim’s philosophy is simple: rights come with responsibility. He believes strongly in passing on knowledge, promoting safe and responsible firearm ownership, and emphasizing that ongoing training and practice are essential to protecting both yourself and those around you.