Greeting EYEHESIVE Community,

My name is James Andersen, but my friends call me PopEye. I earned that name at a party where "Hey, pop your eye out" turned into "Hey, PopEye," and it stuck ever since.

I’m a 44-year-old father of four, originally from Hot Springs, Arkansas. Currently, I reside in the Federal Bureau of Prisons—not my home, just where I’m housed. I’m not a creep, just a drug addict who got caught up in a bad path. I’ve been clean for over four years.

I lost my eye at 18 months old due to Retinoblastoma. St. Jude saved my life, and I’ve been cancer-free ever since.

Growing up with one eye became my norm since I don’t remember life with two. However, what wasn’t normal was how other children treated me. Kids can be brutally honest and often picked on me until I learned to stand up for myself. In junior high, my prosthetic eye became a talking point and helped me fit in.

Depth perception was the biggest challenge. As a young man, playing sports was tough because objects seemed farther or closer than they were. Let me tell you—softballs are NOT soft!

Despite the challenges, I’ve never let having one eye hold me back. I hunt, fish, ride motorcycles, operate heavy equipment, and do anything that requires depth perception. It’s all about patience and perseverance.

Meeting people, especially women, was often intimidating. I’d approach with humor, saying, "I’ll bet you $100 I can lick my eye." Then I’d pop out my prosthetic and lick it. While it shocked them, it broke the ice and often led to genuine conversations.

Job interviews posed similar challenges. I’d address my prosthetic eye upfront, making it okay for people to look at me again.

For those new to life with one eye: you’ll adapt. Turn your perceived weakness into a strength and let it build you up.

I’m deeply spiritual and follow the Asatru faith. Odin, the All-Father, sacrificed an eye for wisdom, proving that having one eye is enough for greatness.

Looking back, I see how having one eye forced me to grow stronger. Adversity has shaped me into the person I am today.

Thank you for reading my story. As the likely only inmate in the EYEHESIVE community, I’m grateful to be part of it. Though I can’t reply to comments, you can write to me:

James Andersen #07253-010
US Penitentiary Leavenworth
P.O. Box 1000
Leavenworth, KS 66048

Please use white paper and envelopes, as colored materials will be rejected. Feel free to send photos, but ensure they are printed on photo paper.

Thank you, and may the Gods bless your path.

Your One-Eye Brother,
PopEye