James "Jim" Bjorklund joined Saint Stephens as our Music Director on August 1, 2016, after retiring from the position of High School Choir Director at Merrill High School after 24 years. He taught for 13 years at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, Illinois, prior to coming to to Merrill.
A native of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Jim is a 1979 graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where he studied with Weston Noble. He earned a Master of Music Degree in Choral Conducting from Arizona State University where he taught undergraduate studio voice. Over the years, Jim has directed several church choirs in various denominations, most recently at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church here in Merrill. Jim just started his fifth year of teaching studio voice and techniques at the University of Wisconsin - Marathon County.
When not teaching music, Jim also enjoys performing. He has performed three times with the Robert Shaw Choral Institute Choir at Carnegie Hall. Locally, he has been active in recent Wausau Community Theater productions, performing lead roles in "South Pacific," "Man of LaMancha," "Les Miserables," and "1776" to name several.
Jim and his wife, Pamela, are also busy being grandparents to five active grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, reading, hunting, and studying history.
Responsibilities:
- Choir Director
- Music Scheduling