J.L. Simmons received his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Iowa after interrupting his education to travel throughout the United States.

He has taught at many universities at which he has been an admired faculty member, including U.C. Davis, U.C. Santa Barbara, and most recently the University of Missouri. He has taught university courses in Sociology, Social Problems, Research Methods, Statistics, Deviance, Alienation, and Social Change. He has lectured widely, including a special program working with prisoners of the Missouri correction system.

As a practicing social psychologist he has co-founded two counseling centers. He has personally counseled many individuals, couples and groups on issues related to marriage, relationships, youth issues, spirituality and crime avoidance.

He has been widely quoted, and has been interviewed many times for both regional and national radio programs, magazines, and newsletters.

Now retired from the University system, he spends his full time writing on issues of which he has become an "in demand" opinion leader.

He currently resides in the scenic suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Nola and their cat "Pesky." He has two sons, Christopher and David, who are ensconced in the technology and artistic disciplines.