Jim Buffington is the Chief Operating Officer for Bridges To Life which is based on the principles of restorative justice and connects communities to prisons to reduce the recidivism rate (particularly that of violent crimes), reduce the number of crime victims, and enhance public safety. He is a native Texan and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a BSBA degree in Marketing Management. His 30-year business career was in Financial/Legal Services and Aerospace. Jim started volunteering with Bridges To Life in 2004 and then joined the staff in 2016. He also volunteers as a Victim Impact Panel Speaker for: Texas Department of Criminal Justice Victim Services, Dallas County Probation, Texas Youth Commission, Dallas County Juvenile Justice Department and Tarrant County Juvenile Services in Fort Worth. Jim is a Royal Family Kid's camp counselor and Board Member for Trinity Kids, Inc., Board Member for Lillian Smith Family Violence Foundation, Advisory Board Member for Brighter Tomorrows, volunteer with Bill Glass Prison Ministry, volunteer with Prison Entrepreneurship Program, and an active member of Fielder Church in Arlington, Texas. Jim received the Texas Governor's Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Pathfinder Award for his contributions to the welfare of crime victims in 2019, the Texas Governor's Criminal Justice Carol S. Vance Volunteer of the Year Service Award in 2008, and the Dallas Cowboys Community Quarterback Award for Volunteer Service in 2007.Jim and his wife, Marilyn, who is a retired special education elementary school teacher, reside in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. They have one son, Bryce, who is married to Caitlyn, and one grandson, Palmer James.