Dr. James E. Leary grew up on a farm near Elkins, W. Va. He began attending Philadelphia Biblical University in 1972 and met Lou Ann while he worked at the Sandy Cove Bible Conference in 1973. They were married in 1975. He graduated from Philadelphia Biblical University in 1976, and began attending Biblical Theological Seminary that fall. He graduated from Biblical with an M. Div. degree in 1979. He and his family moved to Fishertown, PA. in 1982, where he pastored the Fishertown Community Bible Church. He was called to pastor the First Baptist Church of Turnersville, NJ in 1986.

Jim earned a D. Min. from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1999 and works with the Mid-Atlantic Conservative Baptist Association in the area of mediation. He received training in mediation from the Institute for Christian Conciliation. He is a certified speaker with CLASS (Christian Leaders, Authors and Speakers Seminars), and is also certified in CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management). He is also a certified police chaplain with Chaplains Assisting Police, in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Jim is the Director of Conflict Resources International, through which he offers mediation, conflict coaching and training, and conflict-related publications.

Jim and Lou Ann have two children: Scott (23) and Kerri (20). Scott is a probation officer in Cumberland County, NJ, and is married to Shelly. They reside in Pitman, NJ. Kerri attends Messiah College, where she studies to become a nurse.

Jim is often asked to speak at conferences and retreats. He has led many conflict-training workshops and is experienced in assisting churches and organizations in the area of mediation.