True North
I am a follower of Christ. That is the anchor for everything else I do. My faith is the “True North” that keeps my compass from spinning out of gear in a noisy world.
To keep that focus sharp, I host the podcast James Reads the Bible. No corporate fluff, no agendas—just the Word read straight to you. It’s a tool for focus and a way to start the day with truth before the distractions set in.
The Compass
Life has a way of leading you through plenty of terrain before you find where you’re supposed to be. For me, that path included serving at Fort Richardson and Fort Eustis. Those years hammered home the value of a steady hand and a clear direction.
Now, the Appalachian air in Bristol, Virginia, is where I call home. The “Compass” is about the wandering road trips I take with my wife, Christy. We skip the spreadsheets and tourist traps in favor of hole-in-the-wall spots and the coastal beauty of Florida. If we’re moving, we’re looking for the authentic experience, not the polished one.
The Kitchen
If the compass is the journey, the kitchen is the destination. I’m a firm believer that the best stories are told over a meal. I’m a home cook who treats recipes as suggestions, focusing instead on the sensory experience and “feeling” the flavors as they come together.
You’ll never find decaf in my mug—I take my coffee black and my food local. I’ll take a gritty, independent diner over a national chain every single time.
Life on the Ground
When the boots aren’t on the road, I’m usually practicing Tai Chi, pulling for the Steelers, or out for a walk with our three-legged dog, Zippy. He’s got more heart than most, and he reminds me daily that the peace of a slow morning is a gift you shouldn’t waste.
Welcome to the journey. I hope the stories here encourage you to find your own path and trust the Guide who knows the way.