J. S. was raised in California and attended Cal Poly University in San Louis Obispo; this is the setting for much of the story. After graduating he traveled to Europe on a freighter looking for adventure and experience, he found both aplenty. He worked in England, Germany and Italy; and visited many countries and towns along the way. After four years he returned to San Francisco to the far out life of counter culture, hippies and the what's happening. He received a job opportunity to work in Alaska when the oil boom began, which was like Dodge City during the cattle drive. J.S. is married with two children and lives in Alaska.