James Naismith was born on a farm in Ramsay Township, near Almonte, Ontario, Canada, to Scottish immigrants Margaret and John Naismith. His early life was steeped in the rural traditions of the area.

Tragically, both of James' parents died when he was quite young. He was then raised by his maternal uncle, Peter Young, which introduced challenges and resilience into his life.

Naismith attended a one-room schoolhouse near his home, supplementing his education with farm work to support his family. This combination fostered both physical strength and an appreciation for the importance of education.

Naismith attended Almonte High School, where he excelled in academics and athletics. He was a standout in sports like Canadian football, rugby, and gymnastics, demonstrating early aptitude for physical activities.

Naismith enrolled at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. Here, he continued to excel in athletics, particularly in gymnastics, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He also actively participated in student life.

Naismith initially enrolled at Presbyterian College in Montreal, with the intention of becoming a minister, he also worked as a physical education instructor at McGill to earn money, ultimately this would lead him down a different path.