BIOLOGIST
Jim was graduated from the University of California at Fullerton as a biologist with a minor in art which further cemented his avid interest in recording his natural surrounding observations in pencil, ink, paint, and writing.

Jim was employed by the US Forest Service for over 30 years beginning as a biologist, serving as a scientific illustrator, becoming a Creative Services Director that converted a traditional graphic arts department into a computer-oriented unit, and completed his career with the US Forest Service as the Artist-in-residence at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, Pennsylvania in 2006.

ARTIST
During Jim’s employment with the US Forest Service he freelanced as an artist and participated in juried shows throughout the Mid-west and East Coast where he won many honors and achieved recognition. He was an active member of the Central Ohio Watercolor Society for a number of years before being transferred to the east coast.

His primary fine art medium is watercolor, pen and ink, graphite, and mixed media. The computer has been added to his paint box as well.

Jim is a multi-dimensional artist/designer and his diversity can readily be seen by viewing his portfolio.

He has illustrated a number of books and many publications, and contributes regularly to natural science related journals and periodicals.

Jim’s fine art is represented in many corporate and private collections.

Born and raised in California Jim has always had a deep interest in his natural surroundings. He spent his youth in the High Sierra Mountains and the tide pools along the California coast.

TEACHER
Jim is a teacher and has taught drawing and painting classes throughout the years. From adult classes at local high schools to teaching for the National Wildlife Federation Conservation Summits in Maine, the Adirondacks of NY, Montana, and Colorado. Jim continues to conduct Nature Journaling workshops at Grey Towers National Historic Site several times a year.

WRITER
Jim is an avid birder and hawk watcher and was instrumental in establishing the Rose Tree Park HawkWatch, Media, PA in 1999 where he still serves as the principle coordinator and compiler for the site. His interest in bird migration and the weather has resulted in several scientific articles on the subject.

Several of Jim’s photo-rich nature observation accounts are currently online. The Diving Mallards piece continues to evoke a lot of interest and comments. Being a Bird is not Easy was recorded in the summer of 2006 and reports the trials and tribulations of a pair of Carolina Wrens rearing their offspring.

NEW FRONTIERS
Since Jim’s retirement from the US Forest Service he has renewed his youthful passion for astronomy spending time looking far beyond during favorable sky conditions with his new telescope.

Jim presently resides in Southeastern Pennsylvania with is wife, Judy. Judy and Jim’s son Jason who is also an artist was graduated from Tyler School of Art and is presently living in Los Angeles, CA. Jason's creative work is available at www.benderfilms.com