The author is a baby-boomer raised in Maine shortly after WW II. He graduated from Maine Maritime Academy with an engineer's license, BS degree and an officer's commission for the U.S. Navy. After shipping the seas to Africa as an engineer, the author entered a Benedictine Monastery and pursued the religious life as Br. James. Later on, he worked for Union Camp / International Paper for thirty-four years. Presently enjoying his retirement between his grandchildren and writing. Hence the pen name of James Benedict.