James Malone

James Malone, Georgia

Versatile, prolific, retired graphic artist, cartoonist, writer and painter, James Hiram Malone is the founder and director of Laughing Trees, Inc., a non-profit, volunteer oriented organization operated out of his office, studio, and gallery/home in Atlanta, Georgia. Born on March 24, 1930 at the onset of the depression in Winterville, Georgia. Malone tried to attend "White" Atlanta's High School of Art but was denied admission. Instead, he joined the U.S. Army, and his military career spanned over a nine-year period. 
Malone left the military and demanded entrance again into Atlanta's High School art program. Barred the second time, Atlanta's High School offered him a voucher to attend an art school up north. At Detroit's Center for Creative Studies Art and Design College, he earned his Associate of Arts degree.

Before leaving Michigan for Atlanta, he spearheaded fundraising for the landmark African American History Museum; recorded the 1967 riots in paintings, cartoons and writings; created Michigan Chronicle Newspaper's cartoon, "Brother," and "I'm Dreaming of Colored Christmas" greeting cards. 


Malone was hired by the Atlanta Journal Constitution as an advertising graphic artist, then promoted to senior graphic designer. He created the cartoon panel "Malone's Atlanta", and a literacy guide, (Say) "Simply Apply Yourself".


Among the books Malone has authored are Brother, No Job Dad and Grandma Sarah's Closet. His publications include the Ralph Syndicated Comic Strip and the Living Longer Comic Strip. He has written lyrics for the songs, "Homeless Hope" and "Willie Lives in the Street" to bring attention to the plight of the homeless and "Talk to Your Child" to encourage parents' participation in the lives of their children. His poetry is in the book Word Up. Two of his paintings Faith Moves Mountains and Down Yonder serve as a background for the movie Snow Dogs. His cartoons are published in numerous publications. 



An ongoing exhibition of Malone's artwork is at Teaching Museum South, Hapeville, Georgia. 

Malone is divorced and is the father of two sons, Andrew Ralph and Matthew Martin, who reside in Michigan.