UPDATE: As of now, Jim has been moved back to Grand Rapids, MI for inpatient physical rehabilitation 

On July 7th, 2023, Jim collided on his motorcycle with an oncoming vehicle while riding Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap. He was airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN, where he is being treated for multiple broken and fractured bones. So far, he has received 3 surgeries to fix a punctured lung, repair his broken arms, and metal rods to repair his femur and pelvis. Additionally, Jim suffered a spinal injury between his C3 and C7 vertebrae in his neck and has some paralysis that we hope is temporary in his left arm. The road to recovery will be long, as Jim’s doctors anticipate it will be 6 to 8 weeks before he can put weight on his legs in order to learn to walk again. 

Moving forward, Jim and his family are exploring options to get him moved back to Grand Rapids, MI, for inpatient physical rehabilitation, where he can be close to and recover with the support from friends and family. At this time, we are asking for Jim’s story to be shared and for donations to help offset medical and transportation costs. 

Jimmy has always lived a very active lifestyle, from being a wildland firefighter and commercial fisherman to making maple syrup that we love in Michigan, being involved in yoga, camping, and many other trades and hobbies. It’s our hope that with the support of his friends and family, we can get Jim back to doing the things he loves. 

BikerDown is offering social media fundraising to our accident victims and their families.   100% of your donation goes to the family, all donors can add the credit card processing fees to your donation to help BikerDown continue to host these fundraisers.   If you have any questions, please email info@bikerdown.org, or call our office at 720-328-9795.  You can also visit our website at www.bikerdown.org.