Hi, I'm Jim

I'm an Architect, a Planner and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

For over 25 years I have held in every position in a design office from print-boy to principal. I have managed projects, designs and people and designed and built millions of square feet of projects of all types. I have led hundreds of public meetings as a planning commission chair and coordinated with dozens of jurisdictions. I am a father of five very talented but different kids and have been married for over 23 years.

Why I am a Mormon

While both my parents were members when I was born, I had to find out if the church was true for myself. While I was in my mid-teens I attended a youth program called "Especially for Youth" and received an overwhelming feeling of joy and warmth that followed a meeting where other youth were sharing their testimonies. That feeling has grown and deepened as I have served and grown in the church. That first impression of the spirit has grown into a solid foundation of faith and trust that has carried me and my family through some very difficult times. I am a Mormon because the church has led me to Christ and a clearer view of his plan for me and my family.

How I live my faith

I have served as a planning commission member and chairman for 10 years, a member of school board boundary realignment committees and currently serve as a member of the design review board in my current home town. I have also been a Boy Scout and Cub Scout Leader as well as helping dozens of fledgling Eagle Scouts earn their ranks through their Eagle service projects. I have also led several large community service projects some of which included over 1,500 church and community volunteers and was recognized by my former hometown of Canby, Oregon as a Hometown Hero.

Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith?

Jim answered...

Mormons see Joseph Smith in the same way Jews see Moses - while we respect and honor their lives and their contributions, we understand that they are real people, worthy of our veneration but not our worship. We understand that they were selected for important duties that God called them to complete and we respect the work that they performed. Joseph does occupy a unique place in Mormon theology because so many doctrines of the re-established church can be traced to revelations that were given to him. The scriptures tell that it is "by their fruits" that an individual will be able to determine if someone is acting on God's behalf, and this is one of the central messages of the re-established church, we invite all men everywhere to read and pray about the Book of Mormon since it a tangible fruit of the prophet Joseph Smith's calling as a prophet and restorer of Christ's church. It is my witness that if you do so you will know that the book is true, Joseph is a prophet and the church he founded is true.
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Jerad answered...

No. We worship only God the Father and his son Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God chosen to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness back on the Earth. We deeply respect the man and all that he did for man kind as through him the Church of Jesus Christ and the authority which is called the Priesthood was restored to the Earth. The anciant people of Israel deeply revered and respected Moses and all that he did for them, but did not worship him. Joseph was a true Prophet of God and we see him as such, and we only worship the Father and the Son. Joseph was a servant of God and taught about how we should only worship God and Jesus Christ. The purpose of a Prophet is to point us to Christ and help us to know his will, and in these times as terrible as they are, we need the guidance of Prophets to help keep us on the path that God has put before us.

What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Aman answered...

While I do not condone it, I will never look down on anyone for living a homosexual lifestyle. One of the greatest things God has given us is the right to choose, and I work hard not to judge anyone for the choices they make. I believe the church feels the same way. While not condemning those people who live said lifestyle, according to ancient and modern prophets, God has never condoned such a way of life. Therefore, the church continues to preach relationships and marriage between man and a woman, and families consisting of such an organization.