Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Jimmy D. Kuratz has long been called, “the smartest hillbilly in the South.” A teacher by trade, he started his own radio program in 1981. For nearly 20 years, his nationally syndicated radio show provided daily news to the millions of American southerns who are unable to read the local newspaper. When he wasn’t on air, he was out in the streets making a difference. He spent many endless nights helping out at soup kitchens & reading rooms across Mobile. And his charitable donations to Alabama & Arkansas Trailer Park Association have provided running water, trash removal, and subsidized cigarettes for thousands of families across the South. He truly is a man of the people.

In addition to radio, Jimmy authored & co-authored a number of children’s books, including “Readin’ & Writin’ Is Fun,” “Timmy Gets a Frog,” and the 1993 smash hit, “Jolly Pork Chop.” It was his love of writing & teaching others to write which saw him relocated to Australia.

Having attended the 1999 Australian Writers’ Guild meeting in Adelaide, Australia, Jimmy fell in love with the place, the people, and their writing style. He recognized the growing need for teachers in the remote areas of Australia. He vowed to return as soon as he could. In 2002, he acquired a permanent residence visa and was able to fulfill his dream of moving to Australia.

Jimmy now lives in Gigawogup, a small town 200 miles (300 km) north of Adelaide. He spends the majority of his days teaching aboriginal children how to read, write, and make wicker baskets used for trapping small animals. In his spare time, he has been able to author a couple more books. However, the children always come first.

He may have changed his country of residence, but Jimmy D. Kuratz is still truly a man of the people.