Our Story
Jim has a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. At the age of twenty-eight, he started his first company with a business partner, designing and manufacturing electrical systems first for for race cars and then yachts and RVs. The business also required installing the systems in the vehicles and supporting the products at race events around the world.
Jim met Paula at the age of eighteen. They married in 1988, and together they have two sons. Paula is a born traveler and has encouraged Jim to take in the wonders of exploring the world. A family trip in 2009 to Croatia (homeland of Paula's grandfather) led to Vinko the Achiever, Jim's first book.
Jim's other hobbies included, genealogy, coaching youth sports, and playing goalie for his Ice Hockey team.
Carole has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She also holds a Master of Public Administration and Graduate Certificate in Museum Practice from the University of Michigan.
Carole, Jim's sister-in-law, has been married to David Rhoadarmer since 1998. The family trip to Croatia in 2009 was her first trip back to visit family in Croatia since 1986 and her first visit to Plitvička Jereza.
Carole's other hobbies include cooking, urban hiking, painting, knitting, and traveling.
Nataša Čičin-Šain is a Special-Education teacher who gained her international experience through working and living in London, England, for several years. Today she lives in Zagreb, Croatia, and owns a private cabinet for helping children with learning disabilities. She has been married to Jerko Čičin-Šain since 1996, and they have two children together (plus a dog, Felix). The family enjoys hobbies such as Skiing, Sailing, Hiking, and playing Tennis.
She met the American side of her husband's family during their trip to Croatia back in 2009. The two families have been in touch ever since, which resulted in a few more trips as well as new friendships within the younger generations of Cousins.
Nataša is very glad to be a part of this incredible project, which shows just how strong family bonds can be.