Jim, a native Duluthian, began his professional career as a life insurance agent with New England Financial after receiving his bachelor’s degree in business administration and human relations at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah.
As a young professional, Jim ultimately joined his father and brother at Wheeler Associates after gaining experience in sales positions. Over the years, Jim has utilized his knowledge to help educate employers, employees, families, and individuals on plan designs that best meet their needs. As a partner at Wheeler Associates, he recognizes the value in client relationships and holds their interests as his number-one priority. While helping to grow the family business, Jim is also actively involved in improving the insurance industry as a former life and qualifying member of the MDRT and current member of the NAHU's Leading Producers Round Table.
Jim’s passion to help better those around him extends beyond business operations. He is a trustee for the Duluth Area Family YMCA and First United Methodist Church, as well as a member of the Harbortown Rotary Club.
Jim and his wife, Ann, have been married for more than 30 years and have three children together: Tim, Sarah, and Mary Kate. He enjoys spending time outdoors, skiing, canoeing, and hunting. His love for traveling has taken him on several adventurous vacations over the years. During the summers of 1976–1978, Jim canoed more than 4,000 miles in the U.S. and Canada.