Jim Bethune has been shooting for more than a decade, but only recently took the leap to firearms instruction. He puts a heavy focus on creating a welcoming and safe classroom environment for beginners from all backgrounds, free from the bad “jokes” and discriminatory ideologies that can often be found in firearms spaces. Outside of shooting, Jim operates a footwear design and leatherworking business with a partner.

Jim’s training CV includes:

• NRA Basic Pistol Instructor Certification Course (18 hours) - Brian Kapnick of Marksmanship Training Group LLC, NRA Regional Training Counselor Great Lakes, Carpentersville, IL - July 2025

• Citizens Safety Academy Gateway Instructor Certification Course (20 hours) - Aqil Qadir and Tiffany Johnson, Murfreesboro, TN - June 2025

• Skeet Clinic (8 hours) - Ben Berka, Waterman, IL - July 2024

• Trapshooting Clinic (8 hours) - Phil Kiner, Waterman, IL - May 2024

• Stop the Bleed (2 hours) - Falcon CPR Training, Park Ridge, IL - September 2023

• AR-15 Training Level 1 (3 hours) - Maxon Shooter's Supplies, Des Plaines, IL - December 2022

• Illinois Conceal Carry (16 hours) - Sanjin Ibrahimovic, SFSN LLC, Des Plaines, IL - November 2022

• Illinois Conceal Carry Firearm Training (12 hours + credit for previous 4) - Jude Gonzales, Carry312, Chicago, IL - April 2015

• Chicago Firearm Safety Course (16 hours) - Paul Warren, GAT Guns, Dundee, IL - January 2013

Certifications

Citizens Safety Academy Gateway Instructor Certified

NRA Pistol Instructor Certified

Illinois CCL Instructor Certified