About The Author

James Raymond

As a young immigrant growing up in America, James faced the challenges of a new language, a new culture, and an adoptive home that offered both opportunities and hardships. Through it all, he discovered the value of discipline, education, and quiet perseverance. His determination eventually led him to serve in the U.S. Army, a chapter of his life that provided direction, structure, and a sense of purpose he had long sought.

Over the years, James built a life grounded in hard work, faith, and the steady belief that one’s beginnings do not have to define one’s future. His journey, marked by loss, growth, and transformation, became the foundation for his storytelling. With a voice shaped by lived experience rather than theory, he offers readers an intimate glimpse into the realities of immigration, identity, and the resilience required to rebuild a life from the ground up.

“Born in Italy, Made in America: An Immigrant’s Story” is James Raymond’s reflective tribute to the people, choices, and moments that molded him. Through his writing, he hopes to honor his past, inspire future generations, and remind readers that even the most difficult paths can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life.