Jim Harris taught literature and writing classes in colleges and universities in Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico for 31 years. His degrees are from Stephen F. Austin State University and Texas A&M University–Commerce. For 21 years he was the Director of the Lea County Museum, a history museum where he oversaw the publication of 16 different history and literary books. He is the author of several books, including Ruby Dallas, a novel, and he has written dozens of articles and reviews for books, periodicals, and newspapers.