Pompano Beach, FL
Heritage Book Publishing proudly announces the release of Jimmie, a powerful and deeply personal novel by second-time author Jim Valentine. Now available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook formats, the book chronicles the extraordinary journey of an ordinary family whose lives were shaped by love, perseverance, and unexpected challenges.
The story begins in 1959 at Knox College during a Sadie Hawkins Day event, where Judy Gleason playfully recruited the quiet and practical Jim Valentine for a mock wedding a “paper marriage” meant only as a college prank. What started as a lighthearted moment soon evolved into a lifelong partnership grounded in humor, intellectual camaraderie, and unwavering commitment.
Their life together soon took them overseas to post-war Germany, where the young couple navigated unfamiliar cultures, makeshift housing, and the challenges of building a new life abroad. But their greatest test came in 1966 when their three-year-old son, Jimmie, was diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, a rare brain tumor pressing against his optic nerve.
Emergency surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital saved Jimmie’s life, but the operation left him permanently blind and without a functioning pituitary gland, requiring complex lifelong treatments that were still experimental at the time. In a single moment, the family’s future changed forever.
Jimmie traces how Jim and Judy transformed from partners into an unbreakable team navigating medical systems, advocating within schools, and fighting for opportunities that were rarely designed for children with disabilities. Set against the backdrop of post-war America, the novel captures a family’s relentless pursuit of possibility and inclusion.
At the center of the story is Jimmie himself: fiercely independent, curious, and determined to live life on his own terms. His journey is filled with remarkable moments as he confidently explores the complex social world of high school and city life in Chicago.
Beyond the challenges, Jimmie also serves as a vivid portrait of time and place from the modest quarters of postwar Germany to the unpaved streets of Chicagoland suburban neighborhoods and the skyline views from a high-rise overlooking Lake Michigan. Through every chapter, Jim and Judy’s enduring partnership remains the emotional anchor of the story.
Why This Story Matters Today
- A Timeless Love Story: Jim and Judy’s partnership offers a powerful example of commitment built on mutual respect, humor, and shared strength.
- A Story of Ability and Determination: The novel presents an honest and inspiring perspective on living with disability, challenging stereotypes and celebrating capability.
- A Universal Family Narrative: At its core, Jimmie is a story about family, strength, and the fierce love that carries people through life’s unexpected trials.
About the Author
Jim Valentine was born in Chicago in 1938 and graduated from Knox College in 1961. He later served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and spent two years stationed in Germany, where he was joined by his college sweetheart and wife, Judy.
Following his military service, Valentine built a successful career in industrial sales and management, eventually advancing to executive leadership roles while traveling across the United States and Canada. Throughout his career, however, his greatest dedication remained to his family.
Encouraged for years by friends and relatives, Valentine ultimately wrote Jimmie to honor his son’s remarkable spirit and to share the lessons his family learned through adversity. Drawing on decades of memories, letters, and personal reflections, he delivers a heartfelt narrative marked by honesty, compassion, and quiet strength.
Today, Jim Valentine continues to value the principles that shaped his life family, perseverance, and community.
Praise for Jimmie
“A deeply moving account of love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Jim Valentine writes with honesty and heart.” An early reviewer
Book Details
- Title: Jimmie
- Author: Jim Valentine
- Publisher: Heritage Book Publishing
- Publication Date: January 19, 2026
- Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, and eBook
- Availability: Available through major online retailers, including Amazon, as well as the Heritage Book Publishing website.
About the Publisher
Heritage Book Publishing is dedicated to preserving and sharing meaningful stories that celebrate the depth of human experience, with a special focus on narratives of strength, family, and enduring spirit.
For review copies, interview requests, or additional information, please contact:
Heritage Book Publishing
Jim Valentine
307-285-0316
Last modified: April 21, 2026
