My Name Is James

About the Book

This memoir is a historical reflection from the 1930s to 2001 of how I adapted to being gay and living through an era of discrimination, rejection and suspicion by many individuals and acceptance, love and support of others.. It takes place in a moment of time now forgotten. It relates my determination to live a productive life in the straight world and achieve in spite of obstacles. It tells how I found love and friendship in spite of society’s prejudices and fear. It is also a love story lasting over 47 years.

About the Author

This is the first literary work by the author except for six published poems. He decided to write this memoir after a distinguished international career in the science of plant pathology. He is 89. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1955; he was promoted through the ranks to professor during twelve years at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. The University of Illinois at Urbana offered him a tenured professorship of international agriculture in1968, a position he held until 2001. He was a docent at two museums on the Illinois campus, the Krannert Art Museum and the Spurlock Museum of world cultures after his retirement as an Emeritus Professor. He is still a member of the Board of Directions for the two museums. A few years later he joined he joined a writers’ group sponsored by the University of llinois and discovered his ability to write poetry and this memoir. James lives in Savoy, Illinois and serves on the Economic Development Commission of the Village of Savoy and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Savoy. He continues to support the Greater Community AIDS Project.