Jim Jackson graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1973 with a degree in Operations Research. He was a varsity letter winner at Navy under legendary coach Ed Perry. Jim coached the US Marine and US Military wrestling teams which included Olympians Dan Mello, Lloyd Keaser (world champion, Olympic silver medal), Matt Lindland (Olympic silver medal), and Greg Gibson (world champion). Jim also earned a bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in 1982 and a masters degree in Exercise Science from Portland State in 1989. He was head coach at Clear Creek high school in Tiffin, Iowa for three years and the US Marine Corps coach for five years. He was also head wrestling coach for six years and athletic director for seven years at Clackamas community college in Oregon. In addition, Jim officiated wrestling in the Portland area for 18 years.