discover jim buresch
Early Years and Education
Jim Buresch's journey began with a passion for politics and public service. As a young man, he was elected national president of the Teenage Republicans and served on his county Republican executive committee. His educational path took him from West Virginia University to the US Army, where he enlisted after realizing he wasn't yet ready for university life. Upon returning to academia, Jim's leadership qualities shone through as he was elected student representative to Marshall University's Board of Governors and served as Student Body Vice-President. See Note
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
In 1993, at the age of 22, Jim's life took a dramatic turn. "I found out on April 1st 1993, April fool's day. I asked Doctor Chang if it was a joke at first but quickly realized from the pained expression on her face that like thousands of others I would die soon," Jim recalls. This HIV diagnosis became a defining moment, shaping his future activism and art.
Professional Journey
Silicon Valley and Banking
Jim's career began in the heart of the tech revolution at Netscape Communications, the forerunner to modern internet browsers. His talents soon caught the eye of Wells Fargo Bank, where he quickly rose to Senior IT Project Manager in Mergers and Acquisitions. Later, seeking new opportunities, Jim joined US Bancorp, but the cold weather of the Pacific Northwest ultimately sent him packing for sunnier skies. See Note
Journalism and Advocacy
In South Florida, Jim returned to his roots, leveraging his college major as he became a journalist for the Independent Gay News of South Florida. In this role, he played a vital role in the burgeoning LGBTQ+ community in Fort Lauderdale. His passion for community engagement and political activism, evident in his journalism, had deep roots in his earlier years and continued to flourish in this new chapter of his life.
Real Estate and Current Endeavors
For over two decades, Jim has called Florida home, establishing himself as a top-producing realtor specializing in luxury properties. His expertise spans from Siesta and Longboat Key in Sarasota to the vibrant South Florida market from Key West to West Palm Beach.
Through CNRG Florida, Jim is leveraging his expertise to lead an initiative that transforms vacant storefronts in neglected areas into rent-free gallery spaces for local artists. The CNRG program collaborates with individuals, institutions, government entities, and communities to pinpoint needs and resources for revitalization.
This approach seeks to increase property values, revenue, and foot traffic, which may catalyze additional development and rejuvenate community spirit. It exemplifies Jim's capacity to merge his varied experiences and talents, generating value where art and real estate converge.
Jim remains engaged in traditional real estate but his recent endeavors show a pivot towards genuine impact and authenticity rather than just pursuing profits. He is utilizing his extensive background in real estate, art, project management, and politics to devise innovative solutions that serve the interests of both the art community and the real estate industry.
Activism, Art, and Community Service
Jim's life has been marked by deep involvement in community service and advocacy:
Created the Huntington Campaign for Human Rights. 1990
Created first outdoor art installation for World AIDS Day 1992 at Marshall University.
Lobbied United States Congress at the request of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and when he was given the chance to speak to the US Senate Majority Leader’s Chief of Staff in the Speakers inner office, Jim proceeded to ask “will Senator Byrd (D-WV) give up his KKK robe and hood and support lifting the ban on gays in the military?” 1992
Former member of ACT UP San Francisco 1993-97 See Note
Volunteered at the Castro Street Buyers Club, the world's first medical cannabis dispensary 1993-97
Hung a 77-foot-wide inverted pink triangle on the side of an apartment building overlooking the Castro during the Castro Street Fair; Jim’s second art installation. 1997
Involved in the successful passage of California's Proposition 215, the nation's first medical marijuana legislation 1993-96
Served as Vice-President of both the Stonewall Democrats Club and the Democrats of the Desert Club in Palm Springs, California 2000-2002
Worked as the volunteer coordinator for an LGBT+ California Democratic congressional nominee 2002
Community Organizer towards the successful passage of marriage equality (Referendum 74) and legal recreational marijuana (Initiative 502) in Washington State. 2012
Created and installed a one and half mile (2.4 km) long red ribbon down St. Petersburg Florida’s Cental Avenue on World AIDS Day 2014
Created an AIDS Memorial Cemetery art installation in Sarasota, Florida 2020.
Personal Challenges and Triumphs
Like many Americans, Jim's life has been touched by addiction. His father, Bill, attributes it to involvement with the wrong people and bad decisions. Jim, however, offers a more introspective view: "I know after being clean since 2008 and sober since 2011, the bad decisions started long before the drugs did. I'm so grateful to AA, the programs, and its members who have helped me be the best version of me."
Artistic Expression
Jim is a distinguished artist renowned for his massive outdoor art installations and the prominent use of red in his work. His art conveys a profound message, mirroring his extensive journey as an individual living with HIV. Through his artistry, Jim persistently advocates, inspires, and imparts his distinctive outlook on life.
Personal Life
Since 1993, Jim has shared his life with his husband, Alain Sopena-Destresse, originally from Beziers, France. Together, they've built a life filled with love, memories of their many fur babies, friendships, and life events spanning more than three decades.
