Jim was elected Business Agent of Local 80 in 1951, he held this office until August of 1966, at which time he resigned due to ill health.

During his time as Business Agent, the pension and welfare programs were instituted. Jim was instrumental in forming the W. Va. Federation of Labor, to which he later was elected Vice-President.

In the 1960's Jim was elected President of the W. Va. Building Trades Council. He also was elected Business Agent of the Charleston Building Trades Council in 1968. Jim was a hard worker who was truly dedicated to the cause of organized labor.