A lifelong resident of Bay County, Michigan, Senator Jim Barcia was born in Bay City on February 25, 1952. He is a graduate of Bay City Central High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Saginaw Valley State University in 1974. Senator Barcia is married to Vicki Bartlett. He has two step-children and six grandchildren.

Barcia has a long and distinguished career in public service, beginning in college while serving as student body president at SVSU. Barcia was elected to three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives and five terms in the United States Congress. Senator Barcia is currently serving his fifth term in the Michigan State Senate.

Senator Barcia is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation. He sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee and is a member of the Human Services and Community Health subcommittees, and Minority Vice-Chair of the Higher Education and State Police and Military Affairs subcommittees.

Senator Barcia also serves as the Associate President Pro Tempore of the Senate.