Family Life

Jim Wilhelm was born in 1962 in Carbondale, Illinois where his father was getting his PhD. A few months after his birth his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee. His father was a professor at Memphis State University (now University of Memphis) and his mother was a former school teacher who stayed home to raise Jim and his sister Karen and brother Bob.

Education and Military Experience

Jim first took an oath of office when he was only 17 years old as he was inducted into the United States Naval Academy in the summer of 1980 after graduating from Wooddale High School in Memphis. At the academy Jim excelled both academically and as a three year All-American (Pistol). Jim graduated in the top quarter of his academy class with a degree in Oceanography. Thereafter he accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps. After completing The Basic School and Flight School, he received his Naval Aviator Wings in September of 1987. 

Private Sector and Business Experience

In the summer of 1996 he resigned his commission and began a career as a technology and technical services consultant to the Department of Defense with Veda (which became Veridian, General Dynamics and finally, Wyle Labs). He supported the Joint Strike Fighter program in requirements development, tactics development, man-in-the-loop simulations and advanced technology review boards for the aviation program offices at Naval Air Systems Command at Paxtuxent River, MD. In 2005 he semi-retired to raise his youngest two children (since he was often deployed during their first two children’s early years). Jim thereafter began his own advanced technology consulting business, Transitioneering, where he is managing partner/CEO. He also serves as Vice President of the Class of 1984.

Jim has four children - Jake, Alyssa, Zachary and Ian. Jake is a sophomore at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Alyssa will graduate from Annapolis High School in June of 2010 and will attend Towson in the fall. Zachary is going into 9th grade at Annapolis High School and Ian is going into 4th grade at the Naval Academy Primary School.

Jim is committed to campaigning full time to become elected and serve the constituents of the Third District of Maryland.