Jim Street received a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1962. He joined Shell Oil in 1963 as a research engineer and his career with the company spanned 33 years. His positions included general manager of the Oil and Chemical Products Division, vice president of Corporate Planning, president of Shell Chemical Company, and president of Shell Development Company.
In 1991, Street became research coordinator for Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies in London where he had responsibility for the group's research and development efforts world wide. He is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, on the Executive Committee of the Chemical Manufacturer's Association, and as chairman of the Society of Chemical Industry. Street has served on many university committees and advisory boards including the University of Michigan and Rice University Advisory Councils. He has served OSU as a member of the Chemical Engineering and College of Engineering Advisory Boards. Street retired from Shell Oil Company in 1996.