About JIM

I hate bio sheets, but they’re a necessary evil to convince a conference director or an audience that this guy is worth listening to, so . . .

Seniors

James Watkins is an award-winning author and speaker who is 70 years old, although he prefers to think of himself as 30 with 40 years experience. His latest book, If You’re Not Dead, You’re Not Done reveals 10 characteristics that lead to living a life of passion, purpose and pizzaz. He began his career speaking with teenagers, but now provides his hope and humor for senior citizens. The Circle of Life

James in the author of 20 traditionally published books and over 3,000 articles in national magazines, as well as popular speaker across the United States and overseas. Best of all, he has eight adorable grandchildren!

Writers and speakers

Bio 1: Jim is an author of 20 traditionally-published books and over 3,000 articles, a conference speaker and clinically depressed soul who, by God’s grace, writes encouraging and entertaining books, articles and online posts. Isn’t that crazy?!

Bio 2: First and foremost, Jim is a writer saved by grace. Of much lesser importance, he’s the author of 20 traditionally-published books and over 3,000 articles which have won numerous national awards. He has worked as a magazine and book editor since his sophomore year in college and taught writing for fifteen years at Taylor University. Jim has spoken around the world in churches, colleges and conferences. He’s currently a writing coach for individuals as well as students and faculty at Wesley Seminary

Bio 3: Beside being an author and speaker, Jim has worked professionally as a magician, singer/songwriters, editor, delivery truck driver, encyclopedia salesperson, children/youth pastor, hair model, puppeteer, unicycle dare devil, editorial director, professor of writing, and standup comic—which basically means he can’t keep a job!

Private investigators

If you’re conducting a background check—or have a serious case of insomnia—here are some more details, but seriously, I’d love it if you stuck to one of the introductions above.

Four of Jim’s books have won national industry awards (Christianity Today “Book of the Year” award of merit and “Retailers Choice Award”) and for his reporting and editing (five Evangelical Press Association awards), as well as an “Amy” award for writing in the general market. He was also honored with an “Alumnus of the Year in Literature” from Indiana Wesleyan University. (Go Wildcats!)

His articles have been published by Christianity Today, Decision, Focus on the Family, Guideposts, Leadership, Ministry Today, Rev., Today’s Christian Woman, The Upper Room, USAToday, The Whittenberg Door, War Cry and many more.

His website has been honored by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for its creative Christian message.

Jim is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University (1974) and took post graduate work at Ball State University’s School of Journalism and Purdue University’s School of Communications. He also has a PhD in paraliterature—but only because a friend bought it as a Christmas gag gift from a diploma mill.

Most important, Jim married to the Rev. Lois who has served as a pastor and chaplain, has two adult children in ministry and eight adorable grandchildren.

For even more on moi, visit Infrequently asked questions. (You really need to do something for that insomnia!)

And for official fan photos, visit Press Page.

Last update: January 2021

25 thoughts on “About JIM

  • July 14, 2014 at 2:53 pm
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    Okay…. You really are good!!!!

    Reply
  • July 14, 2014 at 2:54 pm
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    This is powerful… Impressive and you “practice what you Preach/Teach”!
    Thank you !!

    Reply
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  • September 12, 2015 at 2:50 pm
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    Hay I am kjaral form (Pakistan ajk)I want to writeing a book about Taliban please help me my English weak. Thank you

    Reply
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  • August 18, 2017 at 3:53 pm
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    Dear JIM:
    as I was signing into your web site today,
    I got a message on my computer stating that this site is not
    secure and is being used to gain access to
    passwords, credit card information, and so on.
    is this information correct?

    Reply
    • August 18, 2017 at 8:59 pm
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      Thanks for the note. My site is hosted by Agathon Group which has some of the toughest security and privacy filters, so I’m not aware of any problems that you mentioned. What did you mean by “signing into [my] website”? Were you signing up to be on email list or RSS feed? Other than that, there’s no need to sign in. Thanks for your help.

      Reply
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  • May 11, 2018 at 12:09 am
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    James,
    I just picked up The Imitation of Christ that you compiled and edited. I am curious as to why you left out all the content from the fourth book, especially after seeing how it has dramatically and direct changed your life in the dedication?

    Reply
    • May 11, 2018 at 9:15 am
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      Thanks for your comment, Michael.

      I wanted the book to appeal to Protestants–I’m one–because there is so much good in it. Book 4 deals heavily with “transubstantiation”–that Christ’s body is actually present in the elements of Communion–and I didn’t want to turn off Protestants. If I remember correctly, Book 4 also deals with “veneration of Mary,” another deal breaker for Protestants.

      So, rather than modernizing the entire book, I made it a devotional arranged by Christ’s characteristics that Catholics, Protestants and Orthoox can “imitate.” I eliminated other chapters simply because they seemed repetitive.

      Reply
  • February 5, 2019 at 4:12 pm
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    Love your about page!

    “Had to say it”…

    First time reader here.

    I’ll be sticking around, for sure.

    God Bless!

    Reply
  • July 3, 2019 at 9:53 pm
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    7/03/19

    Hello James,

    Long time friend–Joe Sawyer–remember me? Would like to chat with you by phone or for now email.

    Note the email address below.

    Reply
  • March 1, 2020 at 2:20 pm
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    Beloved Jim, I am writing a book that talks about faith, and on the internet I read about the beloved meeting a church in Virginia that “removed a mountain” by faith and prayer for the expansion of its parking lot. As I do not want to use this data improperly, I would like to know from the shepherd if this testimony proceeds. Thank you so much.Your brazilian friend and pastor Washington Cunha

    Reply
    • March 4, 2020 at 11:34 am
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      I am so very sorry, but I can’t remember the source. I’m usually very good at vetting stories, but can’t give you the original source.

      Reply
  • May 10, 2020 at 3:28 pm
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    Hello Jim;
    I’m planning on picking up a copy of your book, “The Psalms of Asaph.” I noticed another of your books entitled, “God, I Don’t Understand” that appears to be similar. Are these two books one and the same book under different titles, or different books altogether, covering different material? If different, what are those differences? Thanks, in advance, for clarifying this for me.
    Robin

    Reply
    • May 11, 2020 at 9:05 pm
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      Same book, just a better title and a a revised chapter on unanswered prayer. It was answered in an incredible way demanded a revision!

      Reply
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  • April 10, 2022 at 4:23 am
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    It was so great to see you at Blue Lake! Yes, you are still one of my favs on the planet! Thanks for being such an encouragement to me and for Jesus and Me … even if there’s not enough paper in all the land to make it a reality! I’m so cheering you on and so grateful for the work you’re doing in helping to heal hurting and depressed writers!

    Reply
    • April 11, 2022 at 8:18 pm
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      Thanks for your kind words! It was a joy to see you again. God bless you as you bring beauty from brokeness!

      Reply

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