St. Charles Remembered - Softcover

Über die Autorinnen und Autoren

Jerry Buchanan was raised in the coalfields of St. Charles, Virginia, where the values of service, resilience, and community-forged in the heart of the American workforce-shaped a life dedicated to country and craft.

A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a Purple Heart recipient for his service in the Vietnam War (1969-1970), Jerry later served as a military policeman at Camp Lejeune. Following his honorable discharge in 1972, he embarked on a distinguished 31-year career with the U.S. Postal Service in Indianapolis. During this time, he balanced his public service with higher education, ultimately earning a Master's degree in Management. His expertise in organizational leadership led to a second career as a contract instructor for the University of Oklahoma, and later, a decade of service as a substitute teacher and custodian in Johnson County, Indiana.

In 2024, Jerry turned his focus to writing to bridge the gap between his personal history and his observations of the American landscape. Drawing from his deep roots in the mining community, his work explores the historical patterns, personal memories, and civic stakes that define the American experience. His 2026 releases, In The Shadow of the Tipple and Between the Signs, capture the authentic voices and enduring spirit of those who built their lives around the coal industry.

Jerry lives in Bargersville, Indiana, with his wife of 56 years. He continues to write with passion and purpose, inviting readers to explore the intersection of heritage, memory, and the human story.

James Willis is a native of Lee County whose roots in St. Charles run deep. After spending many years away, he returned to the community nearly a decade ago, bringing with him a lifelong passion for its heritage. His personal archive-a rare collection of photographs spanning over a century-serves as the foundation for The Lost Lens. As a primary guardian of the town's legacy, James has dedicated his retirement to ensuring that the stories, faces, and spirit of St. Charles are never forgotten.

Jerry Buchanan is a writer, historian, and advocate for Appalachian preservation. As co-author, Jerry worked alongside James to weave a narrative through the visual history, helping to shape the story of St. Charles into a lasting tribute. He remains committed to partnering with local voices to document and protect the disappearing cultural heritage of the region.