Born the son of Catherine and James C. Atwood in West Virginia, James lived the bulk of his life in Columbus, Ohio. He married Mary Conditt and raised a family of 3 children, James Jr, Mary, and Clara in Columbus.

He graduated from Ohio State University and opened his general law practice in 1907. James served two terms as a Senator and was well known as a Conservationist. He was a 50 year member of The League of Ohio Sportsmen and served two terms as it's president in 1917-18 and 1947-48. He is considered the "father" of many of Ohio's fish and game laws and is credited with drafting bills providing for Ohio's first Hunting and Fishing Licenses. Additionally, he authored legislation in 1921 allowing municipalities to levy taxes to operate and maintain sewer systems.

Born the son of Catherine and James C. Atwood in West Virginia, James lived the bulk of his life in Columbus, Ohio. He married Mary Conditt and raised a family of 3 children, James Jr, Mary, and Clara in Columbus.

He graduated from Ohio State University and opened his general law practice in 1907. James served two terms as a Senator and was well known as a Conservationist. He was a 50 year member of The League of Ohio Sportsmen and served two terms as it's president in 1917-18 and 1947-48. He is considered the "father" of many of Ohio's fish and game laws and is credited with drafting bills providing for Ohio's first Hunting and Fishing Licenses. Additionally, he authored legislation in 1921 allowing municipalities to levy taxes to operate and maintain sewer systems.