Gadsden native publishes book on cultivating a fulfilling life after retirement

Betty Robert James, a Gadsden County resident and native, recently released her latest book, RetireMEnt: What Now? Now What?

James has been a published author since 2007, when she released her first book, Against all Odds: Artist Dean Mitchell.

James was born and raised in Gadsden County, and later attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she obtained a Bachelors in Science Degree in Elementary Education.

James later attended Florida State University and earned a Master Degree in Early Childhood Education.

In 1976, James put her degrees to use when she began working with the Gadsden County Public Schools.

James spent most of her time as an educator teaching first grade, and taught at Stewart Street and Gretna Elementary schools, and served as school and District Literacy Coach in Gadsden County prior to her retirement in 2017.

The wife of former Superintendent of Schools, Reginald James, Betty James has considered herself no stranger to literacy and education.

Once retired, James began writing her newly-published book on retirement, meaning it as a guide for anyone who is thinking about retiring or beginning a new health and wellness journey.

Author Betty James

According to James, she wrote this book based on her own post-retirement experience.

After retiring, James said she often found herself wondering what to do with her time; she had spent more than 35 years of her life doing what she loved, working with children and teachers.

However, she stepped away from her 8-5 job and brushed away the many layers of stress that a job can put on a person, she was able to focus on a new way of living.

James says that her book offers the reader an opportunity to anticipate new possibilities and open doors never imagined, and recommends a variety of activities related to the next chapters in life.

“Embracing retirement is a “new normal that many retirees find hard to navigate,” writes James. “Therefore, they find themselves returning to work without experiencing the joys that are afforded them. They fail to take time to recharge their batteries. They continue working, nonstop.”

While working or beginning a new career is a viable option for those who choose to do so, James believes that it should not be the only possibility.

Her book, RetireMEnt: What Now? Now What? is filled with catchy poems and illustrations while providing valuable information about the importance of health and wellness.

James has served in numerous community and civic organizations including the Gadsden Art Center,

Quincy Main Street, Friends of the Library, and was past president of the Gadsden County Florida Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

She is the recipient of the 2008 Woman of the Year Award in the area of Education from the National Hookup of Black Women and in 2018, Gadsden Author Award by the National Democratic Women.

Betty James and her husband have two adult daughters, Angela Sutton and Andria Rollinson, and five grandchildren.

The book can be purchased directly through the author by contacting her at bettyyjames@gmail.com or by calling the Dorrance Publishing Company at 1-800-788-7654.

The book is also available online at Amazon.com

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Gadsden native publishes book on cultivating a fulfilling life after retirement

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Gadsden County Legals – Week of May 6

Havana Museum to honor Nell Gray Cunningham

Havana Museum to honor Nell Gray Cunningham

Recommended

Gadsden County Times – Legals – 7/4/2024

Chili Cook-Off and Car Cruise-In to raise money for Havana Police Department’s Christmas toy drive

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