My name is Mr. Jim Jumper and I teach all the physical education classes at St. Aloysius. I am married with two children and five grandchildren. My daughter Michelle is an Ursuline Academy graduate and currently teaches at Washington Middle School. My son, T.J., is the Regional Director for the Iowa School Association. Education has been and continues to be an important part of my family. My wife, Marilyn, and I have been lifelong north end residents.
I am a retired teacher and coach, having taught and coached 38 years in three school districts. I retired from Mount Pulaski School District in 2009. I have taught physical education and social studies. I have coached basketball, baseball, and track at both the junior high and high school levels. I was selected as Coach of the Year five times by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association and selected to the Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2009. The State Journal Register selected me as “Five Who Make a Difference.”
Not only do I teach and coach, but I have also been a guest speaker at coaching clinics and basketball camps. Since retiring, I have worked part time at the Springfield Running Center and worked with homebound students with medical issues for the Springfield School District.