James Still (1906-2001) was an American poet, novelist and folklorist. He lived most of his life in a log house along the Dead Mare Branch of Little Carr Creek, Knott County, Ky. He was best known for the novel River of Earth, which depicted the struggles of coal mining in eastern Kentucky. Still received the Southern Author's Award shortly after River of Earth's publication. He went on to publish a few collections of poetry and short stories, a juvenile novel and a compilation of Appalachian local color he collected over the years. The children's book Jack and the Wonder Beans was adapted for the stage by the Lexington Children's Theatre in 1992. Still participated in one performance, reading a portion of the book to open the show. He died April 28, 2001 at the age of 94.
