James William Kearns (born 1947) is an American screenwriter. He is best known for writing the script for the film John Q. (2002) which starred Denzel Washington.[1] He has also written several TV movies and episodes of television programs such as Mr. Belvedere, Jake and the Fatman, Highway to Heaven and Dynasty. He is a spokesperson for the Bipolar Help Center, and currently resides in Venice, California.