From a young age, Jim was fascinated with music, especially the art of writing a song, and learning how to deliver the words and melody to an audience. He was especially drawn toward guitar-playing singer-songwriters from the late ‘60s and 1970s. But he also became a fan of vocalist/crooners Frank Sinatra, Ed Ames, Perry Como and Andy Williams.
“I bought my first guitar in my hometown of Fond du Lac (a no-name 6-string acoustic) on March 19, 1977. I ended up writing over 25 songs that first year. A year later I bought my first 12-string, and I’ve played 12s ever since.” - Jim Shoulak
In the late 1970s and early ‘80s, while working by day at various factory jobs, Jim performed at night at venues around Wisconsin with guitar in hand, and earned the nickname, “The Dreamer.”
Through the years, Jim’s gone on mission trips — sometimes with family members — to Brazil, England, Peru and Kenya. He was ordained a vocational deacon in the Episcopal Church on the evening of 29 July 2010.
These days, Jim splits his time between the wood shop where he makes birdhouses, bird feeders, candle holders and wall art; and managing the family hobby farm next door to their home property.
Click here to see more shots of the farm on Jim's Facebook Page.
“You must have a hankering for traveling the oceans! You have a great voice, and the recordings are technically flawless! If I could say, I think that there is a bit of Gordon Lightfoot influence in your work.” - Lance J.
Top: Jim in August of 1960, stayin' focused.
Middle*: Jim posing in his restored 1976 letter jacket.
Bottom*: Jim and wife Judy (since 1984).
*Credit: Puke Rainbows Creative
Learn more about fighting breast cancer & the Shoulak BreastFest™ Music Festivals by clicking here: www.shoubf.com