Jim Ryun grew up in Wichita, Kansas, and graduated from the University of Kansas. He participated in the 1964, 1968, and 1972 Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in the 1500 meter run in 1968, and held the World Record in the mile, 1500 meter, and 800 meter.

Jim was elected as the congressman for the 2^nd Congressional District of Kansas from 1996 to 2007, serving on the Armed Services, Budget, and Finance Committees. Jim and his wife Anne have 4 children and many grandchildren.