Jim Elander grew up in St. Charles, Illinois about 35 miles west of Chicago. It was an unusual town of about 3,500 people, but with several millionaires, who really helped the poor to survive the depression. The school system was exceptional and forward-thinking, and prepared students for a better future. After World War II, Jim was discharged from the Navy and elected to go to college, which was very wise. He attended 4 colleges, all on scholarship and/or science programs. He was, later on, elected president of two science and math professional organizations, School Science and Math Association, and the Chicago Math Club. After beginning his teaching at a small school in Mazon Illinois, Jim accepted a position in the noted high School, Oak Park and River Forest High School, teaching Math and eventually became the chair of the Math Department. In 1980, he retired from Oak Park and took a position at North Central College, Naperville, Illinois. For another 10 years, Jim served as Assistant Professor and retired again in 1990 to Missoula, Montana. He now lives in Naples, Florida.
