On July 9, Keeper James will sign and personalize copies of his book "Shipwrecks of the Outer Banks" at the Island Convenience store in Rodanthe. Book signing events have become a holiday tradition in the venue. Participants can also enjoy the wine and beer tasting during the event.
The book highlights the spectacular shipwreck rescues of the U.S. Life-Saving Service (USLSS) from 1871 to 1915. Over its 44-year history, the service saved over a hundred thousand lives, often in dangerous storms. It merged with the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service to form the U.S. Coast Guard.
Those who served in the USLSS were called storm fighters and storm warriors. When storms, strong winds, and even powerful waves endangered lives at sea, these men courageously abandoned their posts to bring the needy people back to shore. They were armed with only wooden boats, cork life jackets, and oil-skin foul-weather clothing, relying mainly on strength, determination, and sheer courage. These heroes exposed themselves to hazards several times and survived storm surges to save so many lives adrift.
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In an interview with Island Free Press, James shared that the USLSS piqued his interest after he relocated to the Outer Banks in the early 1990s and started working at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse as a Seasonal Park Ranger. His curiosity about the USLSS was piqued when he was exposed to it while participating in a "beach apparatus drill" in an abandoned Rodanthe building.
James realized the importance of spreading this history when volunteering at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. The captivating stories and facts about the USLSS drove him to learn more. He was struck by how significant and impressive the history was and equally surprised by how unknown it was to most Americans. This realization motivated him to dedicate himself to educating others about the USLSS.
James' persona, "Keeper James," was officially born during his tenure as Site Manager at Chicamacomico from 2005 to 2015. Due to limited help, he had to manage many daily operations. A retired Coast Guard friend often greeted him as "Keeper," a title traditionally associated with those in charge of lighthouses and LSS stations. Embracing this title, he became "Keeper James."
The book came to fruition because James wanted to spread the story of America's real-life heroes from the USLSS. After resigning from Chicamacomico, he began writing these stories for local media. Encouraged by a friend who is also a published author, he approached his publisher, and the book became a reality.
The book has been a national best-seller and is popular at local book signings. A sequel, Volume II, has been submitted and is scheduled for release in about a year. Keeper James Presentations, a series by local historians Keeper James Charlet and Miz Linda Molloy, offers live programs with true, exciting stories about the USLSS.
James and Linda present live programs to various organizations, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes and featuring accurate, dramatic, and documented accounts. They appear in authentic late 1800s attire, ensuring educational and entertaining experiences. Time is allotted for Q&A, photo opportunities, and book signings.
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