Jim Gilchrist founded the multi-ethnic Minuteman Project on Oct. 1, 2004, after years of frustrated efforts trying to get a neglectful U.S. government to simply enforce existing immigration laws.

Jim holds a B.A. in newspaper journalism, a B.S. in business administration, and an M.B.A. in taxation. He is a former newspaper reporter and a retired California CPA (Certified Public Accountant).

Jim is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and recipient of the Purple Heart award for wounds sustained while serving with an infantry unit in Vietnam, 1968–1969.

Mr. Gilchrist is a passionate defender of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and an avid supporter of law enforcement organizations. He has appeared on over 4,000 radio, TV, and print media interviews, and he believes he is only one of millions of 21st century minutemen / women / children who want the U.S. to remain governed by the "rule of law" and who want proactive enforcement of our national security protections and our immigration legal code.

Jim has lived in California since 1976 and currently resides in Aliso Viejo with his wife, Sandy.

BIRTH DATE: January 13, 1949

FROM:
Aliso Viejo, CA. (50 miles north of San Diego)

Lived in California since 1976

SCHOOLS:
University of Rhode Island — 1973 — (BA — Journalism)

California State Polytechnic University — 1979 — (BS — Business Administration)

Golden Gate University (CA) — 1983 — (MBA — Taxation)

MILITARY:
USMC, Vietnam 1968 -'69

Purple Heart recipient

OCCUPATION:
California Certified Public Accountant (CPA) — retired

Former Newspaper Reporter (1971-'73)

PASSIONS:
Freedom of speech . . . and the truth

HOBBIES:
Political activism

POLITICAL AFFILIATION:
Registered Republican; supports candidates who put love of country and fidelity to duty above mere partisan advantage, regardless of their party affiliation.