James "Diamond Jim" Archer
James Archer prospected diamonds for 30 years, almost full time since his retirement in 1987. During that time he found over 5,000 diamonds and helped countless others enjoy and understand what had become his favorite pastime. He cheered everybody up when he'd walk in with a hearty, "Howdy! I'm just so proud to be here!" James didn't hunt for diamonds to get rich, but he did make some exciting finds. Topping his list were 7.95 carat and 5.25 carat gems. He fine-tuned the art of studying the dirt and minerals and it is reputed that he could spot the best places to dig. According to Harold Lay, a friend and fellow diamond prospector, "James was an artist with a shovel. He made it seem so effortless. No one knew that place like James Archer." After many years of being quoted and photographed by the media, James Archer became the unofficial representative of Crater of Diamonds. Many first-time visitors would ask for him by name. National Geographic photographer Cary Wolinsky said: "James Archer was the gem I found at Crater of Diamonds. When I discovered Jim, he was deep in the mud, not searching for diamonds himself, but helping another digger learn to 'see' the gravel. It was clear he was an inspiration..." His cheerful disposition and willingness to help made him the focus of many park interpretive programs. His popularity with visitors eventually led to his well-deserved billing as "The Living Legend." James Archer died January 8, 2003, at age 77, on the diamond field he loved at Crater of Diamonds State Park. He was truly one of the park's finest "gems."