Jim Carnahan first becamea licensed wrestling official in 1974. During that summer of that year, he officiated at many youth tournaments to gain experience. He was active with the "IKWF," Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation, and worked various kids tournaments throughout the year. On the IKWF circuit, Jim was able to advance and officiate 24 regionals, 24 sectionals, and 21 State Finals. After being selected to be the Grand Marshall for the IKWF 2000 state finals, Jim retired from the IKWF officiating. Jim received his first IHSA regional in 1975 and has gone on to officiate over 50 combined regional and sectional IHSA Tournaments. He officiated his first IHSA State Final in 1985 and has since officiated 23 state final tournaments consisting of 15 IHSA Individual State Finals and 8 IHSA Dual Team State Finals. In 1998 Jim began officiating collegiate matches along with his high school schedule. He has officiated 16 NCAA Division III National Qualifying Tournaments and both the NAIA and NCAA Division III National Championships. Jim was officially recognized by the IWCOA for his years of service as an official in 2001 when he was inducted into the IWCOA Hall of Fame. Jim served as a Grand Marshall of the IHSA 2012 Individual State Final Tournament.