Author Description

Life was tough for a poor African American kid born into the impoverished neighborhoods of Norfolk, Virginia during the 1950s and 1960s. The country was experiencing the tumultuous years of the Civil Rights movement and Vietnam was raging on the far side of the globe. Life was hard but through hard work, dedication and devotion obstacles can be overcome. James “Tank” Williams learned early on determination, grit and a strong work ethic is necessary to survive in this world. The skills and drive to get ahead would come from an insatiable desire to honor the sacrifice his ancestors made from the shores of Africa to the fields of the Southern states. The struggle and pain of generations forged a passion to succeed. It drove him from the summer heat of the cucumber fields of North Carolina to the United States Air Force where he developed the mechanical skills necessary to work on America’s most advanced aircraft. From The Bottom Of The Boat To The Board Room is a retelling of Tank’s journey from a difficult relationship with his father to the economic struggles in the poor neighborhoods of Brambleton, Virginia. He clawed his way up the ladder success from the fast food industry to the launching pads of the Space Shuttle program. He rose through the ranks from a mechanic to the Boardroom of some of most influential Aerospace companies in the industry. It is a true tale of one man’s fight to remember tragic events of the past that inspired him to succeed and help others in the future. For anyone looking to overcome the obstacles in their path, this is a great read of struggle, hard work and triumph.