Jim Tietjens (pronounced TEE-jens) has an impressive resume
— high school state champion, college All-American, member
of the youth national team, professional goalkeeper, and a hall
of famer. But Jim’s athletic accomplishments pale in comparison
to his perseverance in overcoming a litany of health challenges
during his adult life. Jim chronicles the role friends, family,health professionals — and organ donors — have played insaving his life in his new book “Saves,” soon to be released on Amazon as well as at other major outlets.

This book encourages others and provides hope and the
strength to keep moving forward. Since the age of 32, Tietjens
has had two heart transplants, a kidney transplant, cancer twice, pneumonia more than a dozen times, and peripheral artery disease that has already led to the amputation of one of his toes. His positive attitude in facing these challenges is uplifting.

“Jim Tietjens’ life is an inspiring story of beating the odds both on and off the field,” says Dave Lange, author of “Soccer Made in St. Louis.” “Jim Tietjens and Jeff Kuchno have teamed up to tell that story in a book that engages anyone interested in understanding how Jim overcame challenges that would have been insurmountable to almost anyone else. The end result is a book that is a winner about a winner.”

In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Jim enjoyed success as a sales and
marketing executive at Rawlings Sports Goods as well as Anheuser-Busch. He
cultivated relationships with some of the giants of the sporting world — Tony Gwynn,
Ken Griffey Jr., Ozzie Smith and Mark McGwire, just to name a few.

Jim’s lifetime of achievements has landed him in the St. Louis University, St. Louis
Soccer and Mehlville School District Halls of Fame.