Jim was a four-time All-American at Iowa from 1981 to 1984. He won the NCAA individual title in the 158 pound division in 1982, 1983, and 1984. He went undefeated his last two years, ending his college career with an 89 match winning streak. At the 1984 NCAA Championships he was named Most Outstanding Wrestler. Amateur Wrestling News named him "Wrestler of the Decade" for the 1980s. This occurred as part of a streak during which the University of Iowa wrestling team won seven consecutive national titles.