James W. Morrison

James W. Morrison, who, after three years as a U.S. Army officer, served a career as a civilian executive in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is the author of five books--two on international affairs, two on World War II and the involvement in the war of people living in a community in southwestern Virginia, and a collection of short pieces in six genres.

After writing a related historical drama, which has been performed eight times, he wrote the history, "Bedford Goes to War: The Heroic Story of a Small Virginia Community in World War II." That book was selected from 60 nonfiction books nominated for the 2005 Library of Virginia Literary Awards as one of five finalists for a People's Choice Award. His historical novel, "Class of 1940: Coming of Age in World War II," tells the story of graduates--both male and female--of a small, Virginia high school Class of 1940 as they graduate, pursue careers, and get caught up in the war. His multi-genre collection--"Shorts in a Bunch: Amusing Anecdotes, Tall Tales, Eclectic Essays, Heroic Histories, and Playful Poems and Plays"--is mostly a book of humor. Earlier, as a visiting fellow at the National Defense University, he had two books published on international affairs, one on NATO and one on a Russian politician.

He and his wife live at Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta, Virginia.