The legendary "Baker's Dozen" defense of 1973 didn't allow any points during the entire football regular season. Jim played an important role as a junior linebaker on that incredible team. Undersized at 5'9", 188-lbs., he was also one of the most dynamic players as a linebacker and guard the following season for a Panther team that only lost to eventual champion Blanchet in the state playoff semifinals. The importance of this 'fireplug' was summed-up by coach Lee Bofto, "He alone held us together at times."
After earning "All-Big 9 Conference" berths both offensively and defensively, Jim was seleted as an "All-State" guard. He started both ways for two seasons on the gridiron and was team captain as a senior.
Jim was a top flight catcher on the diamond for WHS while hitting both for power and a .356 average as a senior. After serving as team captain, he was selected as "All-Big 9" catcher in 1975.
As a wrestler, Jim placed second in the conference and fifth regionally. In all, he earned seven letters and was named "Panther Best" as a senior.
While catching for a season at Big Bend Community College, Jim received "All-Conference" honors before going on to catch for the University of Washington baseball team.
- Caricatures of inductees as they appeared while involved in WHS athletics and the synopsis of accomplishments are drawn and written by Jeff Mertes.
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