We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful James “ Slim” Bouler. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with James “ Slim” below.
James “ Slim”, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As a child I was taught to love everyone, no matter what color you are! One thing I understand, is that the game of golf was never thought of as a sport for a black man to play. So when I became a professional at the sport, I realized that I had to keep quiet, accept the rules set for me, and find a way to block out the prejudice, comments and acts that were coming against me! I loved the game and i proved to them that I had the skills to play!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I began playing golf at an early age during the 1960’s, and I had mastered the game by the age of 18. Being poor and black during those days, made it virtually impossible to gain acceptance on the pro circuit, so I eventually had to use my golf skills to earn money, by playing high stakes rounds with the rich and famous. I have written my first book, and it’s called I bet on Air and lost it all! It is being sold on Amazon! This book tells my life story. It talks about how i went from living in an Out house, to living in a Penthouse, then to the jail house! It tells about how I made worldwide headline news, when Michael Jordan was compelled to take the stand during my trial for multiple federal offenses. I spent 8 years and 15 days in a federal penitentiary, and my book tells the whole story. I excited about my life story, and my book, because it is one of the greatest golf hustlers books ever written!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My faith in God is what helped me to be an over comer! And my golf skills is what helped me to feed me and my family, and just the knowledge and the love I have for the sport, impacted my life, and the lives of others that look like me! My advice that I have for anyone, is to stay focused! We all go through trials and tribulations, but if we just get tunnel vision, and stay focused, we can achieve our goals! Never let the opinions and actions of anyone, cause you to stop dreaming!! Set your goals and move forward!!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am looking for someone who can read my book, and let’s come together and make one of the greatest golf hustling movies ever!! They can email me at eldergailcoffey@gmail.com. This is one of the greatest stories ever told!
Contact Info:
- Youtube: James Slim Bouler
Image Credits
James Slim Bouler
