J.A. Gorman was born in Deadwood, South Dakota in 1951. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from New Mexico State University in 1976, a Master of Arts from West Virginia University in 1978 and also holds a Master of Fine Arts from Clemson University in 1983.

Gorman pursued studies in painting and drawing in several European capitals. He is a member of La Societa di San Giorgio in Genoa, Italy and was bestowed the Cross of San Giorgia-Porta Saprana Badge for his artistic achievement in 1994.

His paintings and prints have been shown in major international exhibitions in France, Mexico, and throughout the United States. Recipient of several awards in national and international shows, Gorman is represented in the permanent art collection of the International Space Hall of Fame, the Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada and the Museum of Nuclear History and Science in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Gorman was also nominated for the Governor's Award of Achievement and Excellence in Fine Art for the State of New Mexico.

Two Gorman murals are in the collection of the United States Government and he is also represented in private collections throughout the United States, Central America, Asia and Europe.

Formerly an artist-in-resident on the Navajo Reservation for the State of New Mexico, Gorman retired from Sandia National Laboratories as an Principle Member of the Laboratory staff where he served as a senior illustrator and animator.

Gorman now resides and produces his artwork at his studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico.