Jim was born, raised and, for the past 25 years, has served in full- time ministry in St. Louis. He married his high school sweetheart, Deanna Burns, who has given birth to their three children: Jordan, Jamie, and Joel. In 1990, Jim began pastoring Central Baptist in Eureka, Missouri, where they still live.
Since coming to St. Louis Metro in 2000, Jim has given overall leadership to the staff, served as interim pastor in seven different churches, given direct leadership to strengthening churches and, for the past five years, his passion has been to see churches revitalized and replanted. Jim has a business administration degree from the University of Central Missouri, a masters of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is a constant learner by attending conferences, reading, and asking many questions. His extra time is spent traveling, playing golf, and enjoying time with his family.
