Jim grew up on Long Island in a warm, caring family. He went to St. John's University on Long Island where he met his wife Angela. Ultimately they were blessed with two beautiful children. He went to Law School, also at St. John's, and shortly after graduation went into private practice. A successful attorney, Jim led a storybook life. It all started to unravel, though, as business fell due to many different factors.

Jim began relying on alcohol instead of God. It was like a snowball going down hill-everything getting worse and worse until almost all was lost.

With nowhere to turn and all doors seemingly closed, one door was open, a door that Jim was not aware even existed. Long Island Teen Challenge was standing ready to act as the vehicle to Jim's road to recovery.

The path was not an easy one, taking almost two years to complete the program. But, the ending was whatGod had planned. When Jim graduated from Long Island Teen Challenge, his life truly began. His family and practice were both restored to him. The Lord serves as the foundation of his life. Jim's firm, Bechtle & Murphy, Esqs., now provides counsel to Long Island Teen Challenge.