Ruth James was born in Charleston, SC the youngest edition of the James’ family. The Navy family moved to Beaufort, SC in 1984. Upon graduating from high school in 1999, she attended Allen University. After two years in Columbia, Ruth joined the United States Army. She served four years, which included a tour in Iraq. Ruth exited the military in 2005 and resided in Killeen, Texas until the birth of her son and homie, Erik. Ruth says she came home to the peacefulness that only Beautiful Beaufort provides. Ruth completed her degree at the University of South Carolina Beaufort earning a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Sociology, and a minor in Psychology. Currently she is working on her Master of Education in Community Engagement with Merrimack College.
Since 2017 she has been employed with the Beaufort County School District. She has worked as a substitute, bookkeeper, Parent Liaison, and is currently the Coordinator of Community Initiatives, Extended Learning, and After-School. She has volunteered in several capacities at various schools across her school district. The past year was especially exciting as she was able to participate in 5 of the Book Review committees, garnering local and national attention. Her work in Beaufort positioned her to be nominated for the Laurie Horne Family Award last year. Currently she sits on a Statewide Parent Advisory Council with Children’s Trust of South Carolina, an initiative created to provide foundational support and incorporate parent voice and input across the state.
In her spare time, she enjoys Marvel movies, Game of Thrones, House of Dragons, Harry Potter, reading banned books, Carolina Panther & SC Gamecock football, SC Women’s Basketball, and annoying and/or spending time with her 17-year-old son Erik, and fur-child, Bellatrix.