Among the many recognitions Jim has received for his work in the Legislature are the following:

• Named one of the "Best Legislators of 2007" by Capitol Inside
• Recognized for a 2007 "Honorable Mention" by Texas Monthly Magazine
• Given the "Smart on Crime" Award for 2007 by the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition
• Named one of the "Best Legislators of 2005" by Capitol Inside
• Named one of the 2003 “Ten Best Legislators” by Capitol Report Online Magazine
• Named one of the 2003 “Top Five in the House” by Gallery Watch (capitol news service)
• Named 2003 “Legislative Star” by the Texas Classroom Teachers Association
• Named 2002 “Champion for Children” by the Equity Center
• Named one of the 2001 “Ten Best Legislators” by Texas Monthly Magazine
• Named one of the 2001 “Top Five in the House” by Gallery Watch
• Named “The 2001 Star of Texas” by Common Cause Texas
• Statewide 2001 Texas PTA Legislator of the Year
• Named 2001 “Heart of Honor” from the American Heart Association
• Named 2001 “Friend of Education” from the Texas Classroom Teachers Association
• 2001 Legislative Leadership Award from the National Association of Allstate, State Farm and United Farmers agents
• Special Recognition as a “Comer” in the 1999 Texas Monthly Best Legislators edition
• 1999 Golden Apple Award from Texas Mid-Size School Association
• 1999 “Excellence in Leadership Award” from the Texas Association of Rural Schools
• 1999 Texas PTA Legislative Guardian- District 12
• 1999 Honorary Life Member from the Association of Community Schools
• 1999 Distinguished Service Award from the Vocational Agriculture Teacher Association
• 1999 Special Recognition from the Texas Rural Education Association