Preethi & Jim

Jim has built a life driven by passion and purpose. He founded his own flight school and is dedicated to guiding students from their first lesson to becoming confident, independent pilots. His love of teaching extends beyond aviation—he is also a Tae Kwon Do black belt who enjoys helping children develop self-defense skills. At home, he brings people together, often hosting family and friends for relaxed evenings filled with good food and conversation.

I’ve been fortunate to have a fulfilling career in technology, but outside of work I enjoy activities that challenge both body and mind. Playing the cello is a true passion, and I also stay active through workouts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which has become an important part of my routine. For both of us, self-defense is more than a skill—it’s a mindset that builds confidence and resilience.

Together, we enjoy traveling and trying new experiences, but despite all the places we’ve been, our greatest joy comes from those quiet moments at home, relaxing with our dogs and appreciating the life we’ve created together.

Our home sits in a quiet lakeside neighborhood that feels both peaceful and full of life. The backyard opens to the water, and in the summer, swimming and boating in the lake becomes part of everyday living. It’s a setting where a child can grow up surrounded by nature and a sense of freedom.

The community makes it even more special.The nearby schools provide a nurturing environment, encouraging curiosity and confidence in every child. It’s a place where kids can safely play, friendships come easily, and neighbors genuinely look out for one another.

Life here is filled with simple, meaningful moments on the lake and dinners on the patio with friends and family. It’s a warm, welcoming environment where a child can feel supported, and free to grow.

Jim’s family has deep roots in the area where we currently live. His brother and mom both live close, and we see them regularly. His sister lives a couple of hours away but visits often, so we still see her frequently. Jim also has a niece who was adopted from China at the age of 11, and we’ve loved watching her grow into a wonderful young woman who is now preparing to get married.

My family lives a bit farther away, with my two sisters residing outside of Illinois. Even so, we stay close. I share a strong bond with my niece and nephew and have spent many summers babysitting them when they were growing up. It’s been special to see the next generation, with one of them having a child who has quickly become the center of our family’s love.

Family is very important to us, and we extend that same value into our friendships. Jim and I believe in building lifelong connections, and we are fortunate to have friends from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. Our dinner table often feels like a small celebration of the world—full of different stories and perspectives which we greatly enjoy.

Jim and I have shared many unforgettable adventures. One of the most thrilling was a trip to South Africa, where an elephant charged our Jeep—an intense moment that quickly turned into a lifelong story. In the Maldives, we experienced the magic of swimming with dolphins and diving among stingrays and sharks. In India, we stood in awe before the Taj Mahal, captivated by its beauty and history.

In Egypt, exploring the pyramids gave us a deep appreciation for ancient ingenuity. Yet, some of our favorite moments are closer to home in Moab, Utah, where we drive our Jeeps across rugged red rock landscapes. There’s something grounding about that place, that reminds us that adventure doesn’t always mean going far—it just means going together.