American Gospel Ministries

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF JAMES STANLEY HARKINS, SR.

James Stanley (Jim) Harkins was born in Blairsville, Georgia. The son of General Pat and Maver (Nix) Harkins, Jim was reared and educated in rural Georgia. He has been a resident of Florida since 1961 and is married to Leanora (Johnson) Harkins. They have one daughter and three sons, Belinda, Mark, Jim Jr., and Brett.

Jim’s educational background contains Bachelor Degrees in History, Sociology, and Education; Graduate Degrees in School and Agency Counseling and Human Development and in Administration and Supervision of Education and an Advance Degree in Theology. Jim has completed extensive post-Doctoral studies in Psychology and has studied Law with The American Educational Institute. He has studied Government and Political Science at Florida State University, The University of Tampa, Florida, and the University Of West Florida. Other areas of study include: Business Economics and Labor, International Organizations, American Government, Political Systems, United States Diplomatic History, International Relations, Municipal Administration, Public Administration, and Research And Analysis. Jim has additional post-Doctoral studies in Behavior Pathology, Behavior Modification and Child Development. Other major studies include Learning Disorders, Exceptional Children, Diagnostic Practices, Music Therapy, and Academics For The Mentally Retarded. He holds post-graduate degrees from both Florida and Alabama Universities.

Jim is a writer of some renown and from the early 1980’s has written dozens of published articles on Morality in Education, Consumer Affairs, The Media, Government, Politics, Religion, and a myriad of other subjects published on both the national and state levels. He wrote as an avocation while conducting a successful career teaching Law, Civics, History, and World Geography in the Public School System. He is author of a number of Public Use Publications, including “Curriculum Development In The Secondary School,” “History And Development Of Curriculum For The Mentally Retarded,” and “Christian Education vs Secular Education.” Jim was co-author of Florida’s Comprehensive Plan For Career Education. Prior to teaching, he spent four years as a University Lecturer and three and a half years in business. Jim was the first Executive Director of Florida Moral Majority.

Jim Harkins is a veteran U.S. Air Force Officer, flyer, and parachutist who flew 337 combat missions in Vietnam, Cuba, and Africa as a Commando. He was decorated eighteen times for heroism. Jim is a singer and Founder and President of American Gospel, Inc., with nationwide affiliates and President of National Conservatives For Citizen’s Rights, Inc. He has done volunteer work in music therapy with retarded citizens and has been associated with Pastoral Counseling since 1970. Jim serves as Management Consultant and Research Analyst in the areas of Politics, Government, and Religious Programming. He has an extensive background in Public Speaking and has spoken before the United States Congress and many departments of our national government in Washington, D.C. From 1986 to 1997 he conducted a radio ministry on two religious FM stations in Florida.

Jim is active in civic, political, and religious activities in Florida and conducts such activities on a national level. He has served as President, Kiwanis International and as Founder and Faculty Advisor for Builders’ Clubs. He is now serving or has served on The Florida Association Of Retarded Citizens’ Governmental Affairs Committee; Executive Board, Mental Health Association; Board Of Advisors, Salvation Army; Planning and Zoning Commissioner; Political Party Executive Committee; Director, Citizens For A Decent Community; and member of Gideons International. In the 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s he has been selected to numerous Biographical and Who’s Who organizations for his writing. Jim is a member of a Southern Baptist Church and an ordained Deacon. He has been Television Host for Cancer Crusades, Radio Commentator for Political Elections, and a Crusade Director for James Robison and C.M. Ward. Jim has past or present involvement with the Civitans, Rotary, Boy Scouts, Boys Clubs, Shriners, March Of Dimes, Heart Fund, Homes For The Elderly, Chamber Of Commerce and various other civic organizations. Jim is a voice recorder of books and other materials.

Jim Harkins, Sr.
jharkins@americangospel.org
American Gospel Ministries
302 Briarwood Circle N.W.
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548-3904020

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