James B. Smith: A life built from scratch — one decision at a time.

“Who was I without the storms? Without the black trash bag over my shoulder? Was I only a survivor?”

Chapter Nineteen ~ The Smile I Wore

James B. Smith is an Ameslan author, educator, husband, and father. His writing grows from childhood trauma, foster care, language, faith, survival, and the long work of healing.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History Teaching and Watershed Science and a Master of Education in Deaf Education. He has served as an educator across Oregon, California, and Utah, working with students whose lives, languages, and stories deserve to be seen with care.

James’ memoir, Dreamer’s Trash Bag, tells his own story. It follows his journey from a boy who once carried his life in a black trash bag to a man determined to build a different life for himself and his family.

James is also the author of Carrying It Forward, a reflective companion workbook, and What Foster Youth Wish Adults Understood, a short essay for the adults in a foster youth’s life.

James writes from the place where trauma and hope meet. His work honors what broke, what remained, and what can still grow after childhood upheaval.