Jim was born in Vernal, Utah, the 6th of 13 children. As the oldest boy at home, he was responsible for taking care of farm animals, including the cow, as well as the family garden. Jim admittedly didn't care much for it at the time, but through these experiences, learned valuable lessons on work and self-reliance. 
 
Jim often speaks about his Church leaders in the late 70's challenging every family to grow a garden, and consequently a great many people in the mountain west got serious about growing vegetables. His family was no different and they embarked on a shared life long journey of self-reliance.
They continued to grow great gardens every year, and in 1989, acquired a 3/4 acre parcel of land adjacent to Utah’s Hogle Zoo, which was near their home. Incredibly, and through some promotion, 700,000 people per year saw the Kennard's garden. 
Since 2002, Jim has worked in Turkey, Madagascar, multiple projects in Armenia and Georgia, and in Colombia, and has conducted many gardening seminars around the United States.
Learn more about Jim and his family at http://growfood.com