PJ and his wife, Marge, have been married for 44 years. They were both born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska and now live in LaVista, NE. They have two sons, Pat and Jeff and a daughter, Nicole. Their sons and son in law have followed in PJ’s footsteps as Omaha firefighters.

PJ began his love for carving in 1992. He has been a member of the Mid-America Woodcarvers since that time and has held numerous positions on the board. He is also a member of Affiliated Wood Carvers and Eastern Woodland Carvers Club.

PJ was inducted into the CCA in 2008. He considers that to be one of the greatest achievements of his carving career. Since becoming a member, he has held the position of Vice President and is currently serving as President. He has made numerous friendships throughout the CCA and feels very lucky to have met so many influential and interesting people. PJ is proud of the books that the CCA has published over the years. Some of his other achievements have been Second Best of Show-Peoples Choice CCA in 2004 and Best of Show CCA 2007. He has been a consistent blue ribbon winner in the Mid America Woodcarving Shows.

PJ has taught woodcarving classes at Doane College for the last 19 years and has taught other classes at the International Woodcarvers Congress, The CCA Converse Competition and numerous seminars across the country. He has also been an active judge at different shows throughout the country. He looks forward to meeting different people in his travels. He enjoys teaching as well as taking classes. He says sometimes you learn more teaching. He feels that developing your own style is the key to creativity.
PJ and Marge’s greatest enjoyments are their children and grandchildren. Currently they have six grandsons and 4 granddaughters. They enjoy traveling, Nebraska football, College World Series, spending time together, working out, swimming with the family and babysitting. They enjoy holidays with family. The children enjoy seeing what’s new on the carving table. The family has seasonal favorites such as Santa Clauses and Christmas ornaments. He has slowed down on the chainsaw carvings, but still manages to carve a few pumpkins for Halloween.