Pastor Cornwell was born and raised in Westford Massachusetts. He attended Stevens' School of the Bible in Lenox, Ma. and later received a Bachelor's degree in Theological Studies through Maryland Bible College and Seminary. In 1981, Pastor Cornwell moved across country to help Pastor Tom Powell pioneer a new church in Tacoma, WA. After his ordination in 1989, he helped establish Tacoma Bible College and has been instrumental in preparing students for full time missionary service both locally and abroad.

Pastor Jim married his wonderful wife Brenda in 1983. Regarding her life, he says, "Brenda is the reason why God has blessed my life so greatly. Because of her unconditional sacrifice and her beautiful, sensitive heart towards God, my life has prospered beyond what I could have ever imagined or hoped for!" Pastor Jim & Brenda have three very precious children, their twin daughters, Carolyn & Liz, and son Jay.

His life in the ministry has included a variety of outreaches with children, teenagers and seniors. He has always been active in door-to-door evangelism, home visitation, Bible studies and counseling. Along with his pastoral responsibilities in Vancouver, Pastor Cornwell teaches a weekly course at Tacoma Bible College and has recently been working on a Master of Ministry degree at Northwest Baptist Seminary, which he plans on completing at Multnomah Bible Seminary in 2007.