Hi, my name is Jim Sullivan, and I have been hired as the new Garden Valley School District Automotive Teacher. 

I was born in Ontario, Oregon and have lived in small towns all over the state – Middleton, Preston, Salmon, Emmett, Lewiston, Coeur de Alene (Rathdrum), and back to Emmett, which is where I currently reside. I graduated from Emmett High School and then attended Idaho State University where I received my associates degree in their two-year Automotive Mechanics program. Since I was a teenager, I have had an interest in mechanics whether it be farming equipment or the family car. While in high school, I worked at a full-service gas station and performed automotive repair. 

Over the past 44 years, I have put my skills and knowledge to use while working at the following companies - Jarmin’s Service, Goodyear, Lot of Cars, Performance Automotive, and Commercial Tire. In 2004 I joined the Peterson Auto Group and was employed as a Senior Automotive Technician with Peterson Stampede Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Nampa, Idaho.

On a personal note, my wife, Tammy, and I have been married for almost 30 years. My hobbies include hunting, fishing, and camping.

I look forward to this opportunity to teach and be a part of your great community. Most importantly, I look forward to sharing my vast knowledge with the students who may have similar interests. While I was in high school, I had an automotive instructor who saw potential in me and encouraged me to pursue this path. I hope that I can pay this forward in this position.

Sincerely, Jim Sullivan