James Autry Biography

James A. Autry, also known as Big Shelby by his country family, was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1933, but grew up in Benton County, Mississippi, somewhere between Hickory Flat and Ashland, Mississippi. His grandfather and father were Baptist pastors, and his mother was a painter. Ronald, his brother, has also authored a book. Despite attending city schools, Autry was inspired by members of the Pine Grove Church and Abel's Store communities, from whom he acquired the values, traditions, and sense of communication that had been passed down through the generations. He attended the University of Mississippi in Oxford after graduating from high school and paid his tuition by working as a reporter, photographer, musician, student tutor, copy boy, farm laborer, teletype operator, and a variety of other occupations. He served in the Air Force in France for four years after graduating from the University of Mississippi with a journalism degree. Autry began his career in the newspaper industry before moving on to magazines after completing his Air Force duty. Autry's career has taken him to a number of notable roles. He began his career at Better Homes and Gardens as a copy and managing editor, rising up the ranks to become editor in chief in less than twenty-five years. He is presently retired from Meredith Corporation's magazine publishing division. Sally Joanne Pederson, a writer, editor, and former Iowa lieutenant governor, was his wife. James A. Autry Jr., Richard R. Autry, and Ronald P. Autry are their three children.

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