Jim was born and raised in the Chicago area, specifically Palatine, where he attended Fremd High School. He went on to Purdue University where he received a full scholarship to play football. Jim earned many honors while attending Purdue. He was a freshman All-American, All Big-Ten Player, team MVP and the Kiwanis Citizenship Award recipient. After earning his degree, he went on to play professional football for his hometown team, the Chicago Bears in 1992. In 1994 he was traded to the World Champion Dallas Cowboys where he spent his next three seasons. While with the Cowboys he was a key contributor to the team's success. He played on the winning Super Bowl XXX team, set a single season team high 32 tackles on special teams, and was selected to the Pro Bowl as the Special Team's Player in 1996. He also received the NFL's "Unsung Hero Award" given to those whose unselfish dedication and commitment to their community largely go unrecognized, and the NFL Alumni's Special Teams Player of the year in 1996. His hard work and dedication paid off. He signed with the San Francisco Forty-Niners as a restricted free agent in 1997. After playing there for a season, he came back to his hometown team for his final season.

Jim established himself as a team player and earned the respect of others around the league. Jim was actively involved in the community throughout his football career. He helped with several charities. His off-seasons were spent speaking to several grade schools about the importance of education, self-motivation, peer pressure, and responsibility. He also attended several of the Special Olympics Summer and Winter games in both Illinois and Texas and was a key speaker at various functions for them. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society also benefited from Jim's services. He was on several committees and Board of Directors in the North Texas area. Even though his football career is over, helping others is not. He still donates his time to those in need.

Unfortunately, when people say that NFL stands for "Not For Long", they are basically speaking what is a reality for most players. After moving around from team to team, Jim knows the importance of finding a moving company you can trust to move your personal possessions. Jim joined the Von Sydow team in January of 2000. His dedication and work ethic continues off the field. He will help develop a relocation plan that is best for you and will help you in all phases of your move.

Congratulations to Jim! Along with his other responsibilities of working for Von Sydow's Moving and Storage, Inc., Jim is a Pre and Post game Analyst WBBM AM780 and FM 105.90. Jim has been elected by the people to be Mayor of Palatine, sworn into office 5/4/2009 and re-elected in 2013. Congratulations and Hats Off to Mayor Jim Schwantz and his family!