He taught systematic botany several summers at Mt. Lake Biological Station in Virginia and the Oklahoma Biological Station. He was recognized twice as an outstanding teacher at NCSU. Additional awards included the Elizabeth Ann Bartholomew Award from the Southern Appalachian Botanical Club, the Meritorious Teaching Award from the Association of Southeastern Biologists, and the NCSU 1994 Research Friend of Extension Award. Jim’s career in the Botany Department also yielded many enduring friendships with colleagues and their families.

Jim was active in several scientific societies, authored several books and was editor of two scientific journals. He was President of the NCSU Chapter of the Society of the Sigma Xi, Highlands Biological Station, Southern Appalachian Botanical Club, Association of Southeastern Biologists, and the American Society of Plant Taxonomists.