James "Diamond Jim" Archer prospected diamonds for 30 years, almost full time after retiring in 1987, and during that time found over 5,000 diamonds while helping countless others enjoy and understand his favorite pastime at Crater of Diamonds. Known for greeting people with a hearty, "Howdy! I'm just so proud to be here!" he did not search for diamonds to get rich, though his notable finds included 7.95 carat and 5.25 carat gems. He refined the art of studying dirt and minerals and was reputed to know the best places to dig. Friend and fellow prospector Harold Lay said James was an artist with a shovel and that no one knew the place like him. After years of being quoted and photographed by the media, he became the unofficial representative of Crater of Diamonds, and many first-time visitors asked for him by name. National Geographic photographer Cary Wolinsky recalled finding him deep in the mud, not searching for diamonds himself but helping another digger learn to see the gravel, and said he was an inspiration. His cheerful disposition and willingness to help made him central to many park interpretive programs, and his popularity with visitors led to his being billed 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.