James was born in 1879 at Wollaston, son of Alfred and Elizabeth, living in Turnpike Road. By 1891 his mother had died, and he was living, with two of his siblings, at his grandmother's home in the same street, and by 1901 he was an assistant schoolmaster at Wollaston.

The Log Book at Rushden Newton Road school records that 'Jas Wm Reynolds commenced duties as certificated assistant on 17th May 1904' to teach there. In 1911 he was a boarder, an assistant schoolmaster, and living at 6 Alfred Street, Rushden. He married Mrs Kilby in 1914, and they lived in a house in Church Lane, Wymington. Their son Kenneth was born in 1915.

Rushden Echo, 23rd October 1914, transcribed by Gill Hollis The marriage of Mr. James W. Reynolds, teacher at the Newton-road Council School, Rushden, to Mrs. Kilby, widow of the late Mr. J. M. Kilby, of Wokingham, Berks, took place quietly on Saturday last at St. Mary's Church, Wellingborough. The Rev. Mr. Watts officiated. The bride, who wore a dress of tambour lace over floral silk, and carried a sheath of lilies, was attended by her sister. Mr. R. R. Brown officiated as best man. A good number of handsome and useful presents were received.

In 1915 the National Reserve was created, of men too old, too young or too infirm for the Army, but who wanted to do their bit. They carried out local defence duties and guarded key points like internment camps. It is thought that James kept the Muster Book for Rushden. It lists, in alphabetical order, men and boys, with their ages, addresses and the reasons why they were exempt from Military Service. Apparently they called themselves "The Rushden Gurkhas."

Rushden Echo, 19th November 1915, transcribed by Kay Collins Rushden Teacher - Joins The Bedfords Mr. J. W. Reynolds, of Wymington, who for some years past has been an assistant master at Newton-road Schools, Rushden, having received the permission of the Northants Education Committee to enlist, has joined the 3/5th Beds Regiment, under Major R. R. B. Orlebar. Until quite recently Mr. Reynolds was secretary of the Rushden Company V.T.C. He is an all round sportsman, and was known throughout the county as a cricketer.

He became a Justice of the Peace, and he also joined the British Legion and was the Chairman and President of the Wymington branch for over 30 years.

A tea organised by the British Legion in the chapel schoolroom c1930/31 J W Reynolds is standing 2nd from the left

In 1944 Ken Reynolds, married Stella (nee Jones), one of his father's former pupils, and they went to live in the cottage adjoining Ken's parents in Church Lane, Wymington. They had four children.