James A. Glynn

James A. Glynn taught college classes in sociology for 36 years. During that time, he authored and co-authored several books in his field, including "Introduction to Sociology" (with Elbert W. Stewart). The first edition was published in 1972, with revisions in 1975, 1979, and 1984 by McGraw-Hill. A Portuguese translation appeared in 1977, followed by a Spanish translation in 1978. An international edition was issued in 1986. Other versions of the text have become available in India (Tata McGraw), China, and Japan.

In 1996, he (along with Charles F. Hohm and Elbert W. Stewart) published the first American college textbook to address social problems on a global scale: "Global Social Probems," (HarperCollins). Charles F. Hohm and he followed that with "California's Social Problems," the first textbook to focus on the problems on a single state (Pine Forge Press, 2002).

Glynn is a recipient on the "Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award," bestowed by the Pacific Sociological Association in 1987. Other major awards included "Innovator of the Year," bestowed by the Association of Community Colleges in St. Louis and the "Golden State Award" for leadership, achievement, and service, given by the California Who's Who Historical Society.

Along with Charles F. Hohm, he founded the California Sociological Association in 1989, served as president 1992-1993, and was Executive Director from 1993 until his retirement in 2002.

Upon retirement, Glynn wrote his first piece of fiction, a murder/mystery novel, yet to be published. He also writes a regular featured opinion column for the Madera (California) Tribune, "Howling from the Heartland" (previously "Pulse of the Heartland"). One of his columns, "One Life: Guided by a Librarian" won the John Swett Certificate of Merit from the California Teachers Association in 2007.

He has also been involved with community activities, having served as president of the Madera County Arts Council, president of the Kiwanis Club of Madera, Public Relations Chair of Madera Vision 2025, and a Trustee of the San Joaquin Valley Paleontology Foundation.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, he moved during his teen years to Palo Alto, California, in 1957, where his father worked in the electronics industry. The area would later become known as Silicon Valley. His teaching profession took him to Bakersfield, CA, in California's Great Central Valley, where he became a full professor of sociology at Bakersfield College. In 1998, he moved to Madera, California, where he continues to reside.