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James L. Dye, Jr.
Photography became a way for me to preserve overlooked places and moments.
I am a disabled Army National Guard veteran, award-winning photographer and community leader. My work focuses on rural landscapes, historic structures, and ordinary scenes that carry memory, identity, and emotion.
Across military service, civilian employment, creative work, and civic leadership, I have remained committed to protecting people, preserving stories, and strengthening the communities I serve.
Remembering my father
In loving memory of my father, James L. Dye, Sr. A personal tribute with family photographs and the video I created for him in December 2004.
Photography recognition
2024 · Missouri Lottery photography winner
My photograph of a Missouri barn at sunset was selected as the lead cover image for the Missouri Lottery’s Barns & Bridges calendar.
2022 · Lincoln County People’s Choice
Dynamic Depth Photo received a Lincoln County People’s Choice Award.
A life shaped by service and creativity
Military service
My commitment began with the Civil Air Patrol, where I completed Encampment East in 1989. I later served in the Pennsylvania and Missouri Army National Guard, completed Airborne training, and developed experience in drafting and design, electronic engineering, communications, artillery, ordnance, equipment maintenance and security operations. My military service included domestic security, disaster response, international peacekeeping, force protection, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction.
I supported security operations at the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station and responded to Hurricane Katrina. I later deployed to Kosovo with Missouri’s 3175th Military Police Company in support of NATO peacekeeping, also serving on a Liaison Monitoring Team. There, I engaged with local communities, assessed conditions, built relationships, and helped commanders understand the human environment surrounding the mission.
In 2010, I deployed to Gonaïves, Haiti, during New Horizons–Haiti 2010, providing security for Army engineers rebuilding educational facilities, including a school for girls. The mission took place amid resistance from some local leaders opposed to expanding educational opportunities for girls.
My military record includes multiple Army Achievement Medals, NATO and Kosovo campaign recognition, service awards, professional-development recognition, and other qualifications. I value these honors for the missions completed, people protected, and trust they represent.
Skilled trades and railroad work
In civilian life, I worked as a certified welder and as a licensed railroad conductor for both Class III and Class I railroads. These occupations required technical precision, strict adherence to safety standards, operational discipline, and dependable performance in highly regulated working environments.
My commitment to professional development was recognized in 2009–2010 through an Individual Achievement Award associated with the Northeast Missouri Workforce Investment Board and the Missouri Career Center in Warrenton.
Community leadership
Today, I serve as Chairman of Moscow Mills Parks, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization helping guide the development of Clark’s Fort Heritage Park. This work draws upon my experience in leadership, planning, public communication, historical preservation, relationship-building, and long-term project management.
Preserving people, places and stories
Whether serving in uniform, working in skilled trades and railroad operations, documenting Missouri’s heritage, or helping develop a public park, I have sought to leave people, places, and institutions stronger than I found them. My life has been shaped by duty, resilience, creativity, and a lasting commitment to service.