Jim's decorated military career spanned over 26 years, 8 months, and 2 days. His journey was anything but ordinary, taking him through a remarkable variety of roles: Combat Photographer, Army Recruiter, a cameraman for the 13th PsyOps, an arctic light Infantryman, a Mechanic, a Cavalry Scout, and an Instructor. Later in his career, he focused on taking care of the individual soldier’s needs—from payroll and promotions to medical and service records.

He was known for doing whatever it took to accomplish the mission and care for his fellow soldiers, a results-driven approach that sometimes put him at odds with leadership. For Jim, it was never about the method; it was about the results and supporting those on the ground.

A New Mission: From Service to Surplus

After more than two decades of service, the military took its toll. Medically retired due to service-related disabilities, Jim faced the mental and physical battles that many veterans know too well. Knowing he wasn't ready to stop working, his wife had an idea: channel his deep knowledge and passion for military gear into a business.

Crazy Jim's was born in a small room attached to a liquor store. Over the last 18 years, we've met so many good people and grown a community of collectors and enthusiasts.

Adapting to the Future

The original plan was to expand with more stores across Minnesota, but the world began to change. As we watched walk-in customers decrease and internet sales increase, we knew we had to adapt. While it was tough to shift from the old-school ways, we embraced the future of retail and moved our entire operation online to better serve our customers across the country.

At Crazy Jim's, you're not just buying surplus; you're buying a piece of history from someone who lived it.