At Jefferson College- Played two years at Jefferson College. Won the Viking Award for 2010 and was named Academic All-American.

In High School- Four-year starter at Logan-Rogersville HS. Named all-conference and all-district as a junior and senior. Set school single season record for doubles with 12 as a junior. Led his team to quarterfinal appearances in his sophomore and senior season.

Personal- Son of Robert Gilkerson and B. Doe Keen. Jim is a pre-med major at MSSU.