A longtime resident of the Kansas City suburb of Lee's Summit, Missouri, James McEntire graduated from Lee's Summit high school and attended multiple regional institutions of higher learning. He ultimately earned his bachelor of arts in biological sciences from the University of Missouri and a doctor of osteopathic medicine from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Since 1997, he has served as the founder, owner, and chief pediatrician of his own private medical practice that exclusively treats pediatric patients.

When he isn’t caring for patients, Dr. James McEntire is a passionate drag racer and a member of the National Hot Rod Association. He particularly excels at the building and racing of hot rods with naturally aspirated engines. His 1968 Camaro features a custom 350 engine that burns a fuel blend of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol. Over the years, Dr. McEntire has won multiple Hot Rod Magazine Drag Week competitions.