James, James J.

James J. James, also known as Jimmy James and George N. James, was born in Kansas. He claimed to be part-Cherokee Indian, and to have studied art at the Chicago Art Institute. At various times he called himself the "Painter of the Columbia" and "Indian Press Agent." From about 1953, while living in Portland, Oregon, he began a letter-writing campaign to improve the status and condition of the American Indian. To that end, he wrote to public officials, Indian leaders, tribal councils, writers, and private citizens.

James J. James, also know as Jimmy James and George N. James, was born in Kansas. He claimed to be part Cherokee Indian, and to have studied art under several teachers and at the Chicago Art Institute. At various times he called himself the “Painter of the Columbia” and “Indian Press Agent.” From about 1953, when he was living in Portland, Oregon, he commenced a letter-writing campaign to improve the status and condition of the American Indian. To that end, he wrote to public officials, Indian leaders, tribal councils, writers, and private citizens.