Jim Sichel was a student of the late Ken Croft, who tutored and mentored Jim in the art of round dancing. Prior to becoming cuer for Caper Cutters in late 2009, Jim substituted for Wendy Jean Iannico, former Caper Cutters cuer.

Jim, along with Jane Lu, teaches Phase II and Phase III round dance classes at Golden Gate Park Senior Center twice a week. These were formerly classes taught by Ken Croft.