Jim grew up in northern Ontario and developed a love for the great outdoors, spending much of his free time as a youth exploring and honing his survival skills in the wilds. A career as a biologist seemed the obvious choice. He obtained a Bachelor of Honours Zoology with a major in wildlife and resource management at the College of Biological Sciences, U. of Guelph. He went on to get his Masters and Doctoral degrees in wildlife diseases at the Ontario Veterinary College. In 1977, he discovered Riding Mountain, settled and set-up a cattle ranch. However, his social nature compelled him to want to share his incredible "natural wealth," so in 1984 he opened his home to "friends he hadn't met yet" and established Riding Mountain Guest Ranch.

In addition to being a naturalist, Jim is a published wildlife photographer and music composer and an addicted history buff.

In 1992, he married one of his effervescent guests, Candy, and acquired a dynamic partner.

Candy loves quiet pursuits that bring her into contact with nature, such as walking in the woods with her camera and her dogs, riding her horse Ace, kayaking on their lake and working outdoors around the ranch.  She also likes reading, baking, yoga, Nordic skiing and exploring.  Candy often takes guests to visit her many pets or the injured or orphaned wildlife she cares for.  As well as helping to run the ranch and cooking for our guests, Candy continues to use her Education Degree to teach and to write.

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