Country Boy, City Boy:
A Journey that Ain’t Over Yet
The uplifting true story of a young boy whose mother sends him and his brother to live with his aunt and uncle in Graham, Alabama after she realizes she is no longer able to care for all 10 of her children in the projects of Tennessee. As James settles into his new home deep in the woods of Alabama, he is put on a different path and life for him takes a dramatically different course.
This book is about the transformation of a young boy using the lessons he learned going from city life to country life and back again to city life to become a successful member of his community and a proud servant to his country.
The story of the struggles, triumphs and transformation of a young boy born the 7th out of 10 children to a mother who sends him from the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee to live with his aunt and uncle in rural Alabama.
“We must learn from the past, but not live it. We must live in the present, today, but most importantly we must always prepare for tomorrow.”
~ Dr. James Cooley
Reviews:
“In his book, Country Boy, City Boy, A Journey That Ain’t Over Yet, James Cooley keeps us turning the pages as he takes us on his life’s journey from the backwoods of the Alabama Outhouse to his rise up the military ranks to the creation of the J C Cooley Foundation. James shows us that with true grit, honest hard work, and education, the cycle of poverty can be broken, This is a must read for anyone who thinks they are stuck in life or needs to understand that their current situation is not their final destination. Five out of five.”
- Bernadette Meeks, SMSgt, USAFR, Retired.
“Country Boy, City Boy, A Journey That Ain’t Over Yet, should be required reading for both struggling teenagers and privilege youth. James Cooley delivers powerful lessons of family, self reliance, and service to country and community.”
- James C McMahon, PhD University of Redlands, School of Business.
“An enjoyable insight into one man’s life journey, sprinkled with humor and humble story-telling make this a wonderful read. A moving reminder that through life’s twists, trials, and triumphs we find inspiration that leads to our Destiny and God’s plan.”
- V Parker, Senior H R Business Manager
James Cooley has shared his story of struggle and success in America as both a cautionary tale and a roadmap to achieving “The American Dream.” As an African-American, his autobiography is firmly in the tradition of Richard Wright, James Baldwin, and Ralph Ellison, portraying the dire disadvantages faced by those growing up poor and Black in America. But don’t expect to find bitter invective about systemic “White Oppression.” Echoing the era of Dr. Ben Carson, James Cooley was able to find love of family and God and to recognize the opportunities of Education. As a retired high school English teacher, I believe that his first-hand account of the spiritual and intellectual maturation which fuels his escape from cyclical poverty should be required reading in America’s secondary schools. I not only congratulate James Cooley on his journey; I also want to thank him for his service to his country.
- Derry R, Van Nortwick, M. A.
Mr. Cooley presents us with a compelling story. He tells of his time growing up and go with the city and the country. This would be considered a very difficult childhood by many but instead of dwelling on the difficulties, he chooses to find lessons to be learned that will ultimately help him in his future life. Despite long odds, he tells of his dramatic rise through the ranks of the US Navy and civilian life. He concludes with sharing the philosophy that guide him through this great life. This is an inspirational read.
- Sandy Dodson
James Cooley’s personal and poignant family stories will inspire and make you laugh. A Navy career that stresses the importance of education, training and mentorship. A life experience full of philosophies and achievements uniquely focused now on teaching leadership skills to teenagers. Only his community outreach exceeds his personality, energy and determination.
- M. Hayden, Retired Marketing & Sales Rep.
James “JC” Cooley is one of the greatest leaders of his generation. I have had the privilege of calling him my friend for more than 20 years. Whether as a career naval officer serving our nation, a business leader, or the CEO of his Non-profit, JC has been a beaming light of hope and encouragement. As a transformational leader and change agent who refuses to accept the status quo and mediocrity, he has made people, organizations and processes better and more productive. In “Country Boy, City Boy, A Journey That Ain’t Over Yet“, he shares his unfiltered truth to provide hope for future by challenging readers to refuse to become victims of life’s circumstances and encourage them to dare to be overcomers because a bigger, better and more impacting life awaits them. Great job my friends, I am proud of you!
- Herman L. Archibald, CAPT (Retired), USN
“A joy to read. It was an inspiration to follow James Cooley's life from living in the poor city life of Chattanooga, Tennessee and the poor country life of Graham, Alabama to becoming a successful navy career as an officer, working as a design engineer at the Pentagon, and eventually establishing his own foundation for inspiring youths and young adults to see another path. He shares his stories, both good and bad, that led him along this successful path. James not only gives us insight to what led himself to the great place he's arrived at, but reminds us that he's not finished with his work and he still has much more to accomplish. He gives the reader a formula for leading a successful life through many of his personal philosophies such as the "6 T's," being "Focused" and several more. The "87/10/3" philosophy—87% of the world's population is average, 10% of the population are the 'movers and shakers,' and 3% are wealthy, high educated or have a special gift—encourages and challenges us to be in the top percentages, to think big, just as he's done his whole life. Yes, this book and he are an inspiration.”
- Amazon Customer
James Cooley is truly a 21st century Renaissance man whose meteoric rise from the “outhouse to the White House” is a story no one should miss! From the humblest beginnings, James learned the love of family on a farm in backwoods Alabama and street smarts in the projects of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Enlisting in the U.S. Navy was his ticket out of poverty and his V.I.P. access to professional and personal excellence.
COUNTRY BOY, CITY BOY is as much an inspiring coming of age story as a memoir. Written in a compelling minimalistic style, James Cooley’s authorial debut creates a poignant atmosphere that translates into a mesmerizing literary feast no one should miss! He barely knew his own father but became a commanding father figure to many as a Naval Officer. Through bravery, courage and ruthless determination, James Cooley carved an exemplary life of which many only imagine all because he dared to dream!
Get your copy of COUNTRY BOY, CITY BOY today and be transported to a world of wonder and unstoppable possibilities!!- C.A
“I’ve had the pleasure of actually meeting Mr. James Cooley. Therefore, I’m a bit biased. I’ve read his book cover to cover, had him personally sign my copy and have been blessed to have been present for a few of his experiences. This guy is the real deal! He’s the kind of individual that would do well in any environment no matter how extreme the hardship or grandiose the opulence. It’s a compelling read from a compelling human being. I thoroughly recommend this book. And, like the title suggests, “… It ain’t over yet.“
Get your copy of COUNTRY BOY, CITY BOY today and be transported to a world of wonder and unstoppable possibilities!!”- Stellite31
“This book not only mentions the story of a family and a man, it also talks about the impact of how you grow up. It’s an inspirational journey that touches your heart. It’s about the importance of not giving up and getting up not only to survive, also to live your fullest. It’s about leadership and humility to be free and take the path that will lead you to success.”
- Rita Casman
“I am most grateful and honored to have James as a friend. His life, like his book, is a source of inspiration and constant encouragement. He is genuine to the core. COUNTRY BOY, CITY BOY will keep you motivated and moving towards your God-ordained destiny. Once you start the book, you won’t put it down. Word by word, James pulls you through the incredible story of his life.”
- Glen
“Part memoir, part self-help, this book is all heart, telling of Cooley's journey through childhood, the navy, and to his current position as president and CEO of a non-profit. Cooley writes with warmth, humor, and compassion, and this brief book shows just how important each step along our path can be. A wonderful book of encouragement through looking back and looking forward.”
- GSMC Book Review
“Written from the heart and very inspiring! James you have always inspired me and my family and now you are touching the world. Great read and very well written.”
- Camilla H