On the Trail of a Whippoorwill - My Fortunate Journey is a glimpse into Jim's life as a boy growing up during the Great Depression. It is the story of his taking on responsibilities early in life, serving in the Texas State Guard while still in high school, and serving in the Marine Corps at the end of World War II and during the Korean War. It tells of Jim attending the University of Texas, and it describes his career path as an electrical engineer - including some joys and tragedies along the way. Fortitude and determination are evident in Jim's saga. But his gentler and more lighthearted side is portrayed as well - falling in love, raising a family, experiencing wonder in the beauty of nature, and finding delight in artistic and cultural pursuits.