James Walton Groves (October 18, 1906 - May 6, 1970) was a Canadian mycologist born in Kinburn, Ontario, on October 18, 1906, to John James and Laura Groves.[1][2] He displayed an early interest in education and learning. He taught himself the alphabet from a decorated bowl, and impressed visitors to the family farm by reading aloud the newspaper by age four.[1] In 1918, his father John sustained an injury from an accident and the family moved to Ottawa.[1][2] He then attended Lisgar High School and later the Ottawa Normal School with the intention of teaching for a career.[1] From 1926 to 1928 he taught public school, denying offers at universities and encouraging his students to pursue graduate educations in mycology.[1] A Summer job with the Canada Department of Agriculture in 1929 as a plant disease investigator is credited by him as an introduction to the field of botanical research and jumpstarting his research career.[1] In 1930 he graduated from Queen's University for biology and a minor in chemistry with honors.[1][2] Similar roles were held throughout his education while he earned his M.A. from the University of Toronto in 1932, and his Ph.D. in 1935.[1][2] Many Summers were also spent at Lake Timagami, where he worked for a year after earning his Ph.D with H.S. Jackson.