Adel (IATO Official) 2004
Jim was born in Ogden, IA. and a graduated from Ogden High in 1953. He was a member of Ogden’s 1st track team and qualified for the state track meet in the 1/2 mile, the mile, and medley relay. While in the service and stationed in Japan, Jim was a member of the Yokohama area track team for 2 years. Jim began his track career in Adel in 1970 officiating at high school and Jr. High meets, remaining active in many of these meets yet today. He joined the Drake Relays Officials in 1971 working both the multi-events and the relays. At Drake, Jim works the long & triple jumps in the relays, and he became the Head Official of those events in 1975. Jim is still active as a Drake Relays official and continues to serve as the head official for the long & triple jump events and he holds a Masters Certification with USA Track & Field. Jim was the Head official for the Decathlon at the Jr. Olympics in 1985 and he worked as the head long jump official at the Jr. Olympics in 1995. Officiated the Masters Decathlon & Heptathlon championships in 1992. In 1995 Jim was inducted into the Drake Relays ” Wall of Honor” Jim served as referee of the Multi-Events at the Big 10 men’s indoor championships in 1997 and 2004. He was the referee of the Multi-Events at the Missouri Valley indoor championships in 1997 and served as a Long & Triple jump official at the Big 12 indoor championships in 1998. Recognized by the IATO for Dedicated Service as an official in 2002. Jim has officiated many indoor track meets at Iowa State over the past several years both at the collegiate and high school levels, plus he has worked several AAU & USATF meets. He has worked numerous track events, both large and small, at the Drake Stadium over the years and has work at both the boys and girls state track meets in excess of 30 years. Jim said that he has enjoyed each and every meet he has ever helped in. Quote, “I love those kids; just wish sometimes that I was one myself again”. Jim lives in Dallas Center. Jim is joined for his induction by his wife Shirley.