James Willis

James Willis is a native of Lee County whose roots in St. Charles run deep. After spending many years away, he returned to the community nearly a decade ago, bringing with him a lifelong passion for its heritage. His personal archive-a rare collecion of photographs spanning over a century-serves as the foundation for The Lost Lens. As a primary guardian of the town's legacy, James has dedicated his retirement to ensuring that the stories, faces, and spirit of St. Charles are never forgotten.

Jerry Buchanan is a writer, historian, and advocate for Appalachian preservation. As co-author, Jerry worked alongside James to weave a narrative through the visual history, helping to shape the story of St. Charles into a lasting tribute. He remains committed to partnering with local voices to document and protect the disappearing cultural heritage of the region.