About

About Jim Feldkamp

Born in Roseburg, Oregon, Jim Feldkamp began a career rooted in public service and dedication to national security. He graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business and started his military journey shortly afterward. Serving as a U.S. Naval Flight Officer, he operated as a Counter-Measures Officer and Navigator aboard the EA-6B, an electronic attack aircraft used by the U.S. Navy. During his active duty, he flew missions off the USS Midway and participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1991.

FBI Career and Political Aspirations

After transitioning to the U.S. Naval Reserves, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a Special Agent based in Norfolk, Virginia. In this capacity, he became a founding member of the Tidewater Joint Terrorism Task Force. His role extended beyond investigations; he was also one of three pilots in the Norfolk field office assigned to conduct aerial physical surveillance of individuals suspected of involvement in criminal and terrorist activity. 2004, he resigned from the FBI to pursue public office, running as the Republican nominee for Oregon’s 4th Congressional District during the 2004 and 2006 election cycles.

Academic Contributions and Subject Matter Expertise

In 2007, he was recalled to active duty and assigned to help stand up the foundational office that would become the National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office (NMIO). His work in this office focused on improving domestic and international information-sharing coordination to strengthen maritime security efforts. Beyond his government service, he has contributed to academic circles by teaching courses on terrorism—both domestic and international—at George Washington University, George Mason University, and Georgetown University. He also authored and edited a textbook titled Theory and Politics of Terrorism, published by Cognella Academic Publishing, adding to his credentials as a subject matter expert.

Professional Experience

His professional journey spans multiple industries and roles. Since 2017, he has been a Lead Consultant at Complete Threat Preparedness, Inc., providing consulting and training services centered on preparedness for natural and artificial hazards. He has also worked as a Freelance Editor with Reedsy since 2020, focusing on manuscripts related to terrorism and intelligence. From 2018 to 2022, he joined the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, a global sailing challenge that took him to places such as the UK, Portugal, and Uruguay. His academic work continued between 2015 and 2019 as an Adjunct Professor at the National American University, where he taught subjects including intelligence agencies, terrorism, and weapon systems. Between 2013 and 2019, he founded and operated JLF Solutions, a firm specializing in counter-terrorism, transnational crimes, and maritime domain awareness.

Contributions to Maritime Security

He supported maritime safety and intelligence-sharing initiatives while serving as the Branch Head for Outreach and Coordination at the Office of Global Maritime Situational Awareness. His work focused on building strategic relationships with U.S. and foreign government entities, promoting collaborative efforts in maritime security. One of the outcomes of this outreach was expanded participation in the Maritime Safety and Security Information System (MSSIS), which covers over 240,000 miles of coastline. His leadership in fostering cooperation helped enhance maritime domain awareness on a global scale.

Personal Life and Interests

Jim Feldkamp has many personal interests that reflect a spirit of adventure and an active lifestyle. He enjoys outdoor and athletic activities, including mountain climbing, skiing, scuba diving, flying, and sailing. His sense of adventure has taken him to international events like the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, and he also completed the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. These interests highlight his drive to explore new challenges beyond his professional life.

Education

He holds a Master of Arts in International Affairs from The Catholic University of America, completed between 1996 and 1998. Before that, he earned a Diploma in Strategic Planning and Operations from the U.S. Naval War College, which he attended from 1994 to 1996. His undergraduate studies were completed at Oregon State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business between 1983 and 1986. He also attended Linfield University from 1981 to 1983, earning an Associate of Arts degree and playing on the school’s National Championship football team, which competed in the NAIA.

Jim Feldkamp’s career spans decades of service in the military, intelligence, education, and maritime security sectors. His work reflects a commitment to public safety and knowledge-sharing. He has consistently supported efforts to improve national security and international cooperation through professional roles and academic contributions. Today, Jim Feldkamp remains a dedicated professional, continuing to apply his expertise across various platforms and endeavors.