John Kennett Starnes (February 5, 1918 – December 23, 2014) was a Canadian civil servant, diplomat, and novelist. Born in Montreal, Quebec to Henry Kennett Starnes and his wife, Altha Ella (née McCrea), Starnes was educated at Selwyn House School, Trinity College School, the Institute Sillig in Switzerland, the University of Munich and Bishop's University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. During World War II, he served with the Black Watch, the Canadian Intelligence Corps (1941), the Canadian War Staff College (1942), and the 21st Army Group in the United Kingdom. He was discharged in 1944 with the rank of captain.