Arias, J. F.

Born in El Paso to immigrant parents, Jaime F. Arias, Jimmy to family, grew up in Southern New Mexico. After the first 12 years living in the rancheros of one of the world's largest pecan farms, he moved with his family to nearby Las Cruces. He spent most of his middle school years avoiding (mostly) fights, until his elementary school friend, who had moved into town earlier, found him and became his protector. Jaime did not thrive in school. But his love of reading was his saving grace. He was more likely to be found in a secluded part of the school yard with a good book, than off causing trou...