James Kenyon was born and raised on a third generation family grain and livestock farm. At the age of four, propped up on his knees to see over the steering wheel, he guided the family pickup truck as his father forked out feed for cattle. He drove the tractor solo by the age of seven in the hay field. James grew up caring for cattle, pigs, chickens, and horses near the small town of Bogue, Kansas, population 300. The birds, cats, dogs, frogs, and possums were all part of his experiences with nature. Today, James is a veterinarian in a 35-year, mixed animal practice in a beautiful Iowa college town. He is a veterinarian for the Alaska Iditarod Dog Sled Race and a 24-year member of the school board, as well as its current president. He leads numerous community organizations including Rotary, church, library, museums, and historical society.

He chaired the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and State Veterinary Board of Examiners. He was named Iowa Veterinarian of the Year. James is married to his college sweetheart from Kansas City. They have blended the farm and city in their life together. They have three children, four grandchildren, and numerous pets.