Married to Martha McAdam. He has three children: Carrie, Kelly and Kacie. He is self-employed.
Member: Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church; Sons of Columbus; Senator of the Year by MO Deputy Sheriff's Assn., 1995; Northeast Chamber of Commerce; MO Columbian of the Year, 1993; Knights of Columbus, 3rd Degree; Moose Lodge; Eagles; Missouri Peace Officers Association, board member; Optimists; Advisory Council for Blindsight; past vice president, Jackson County Industrial Development Authority; past Democratic chair, Fifth Congressional District. Elected to House: 1976-1990. Elected to the Senate: 1992.