Neil J. Flinders was born in Ogden, Utah, as the oldest of four children. He grew up on a farm and loved outdoor activities. After high school graduation, he attended Weber College for two years before serving a full-time mission in the Western States and then transferring to Brigham Young University. Shortly into his time at BYU, he deferred his education to serve in the US Medical Corps during the Korean War. Upon his return, he married Joan Robertson and the two would go on to raise a family of seven children. He worked as a seminary teacher for 19 years and then as a professor in the McKay School of Education for another 19 years. He wrote several books and articles both professionally and on behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his wife served a mission together in Nauvoo, Illinois. He passed away in 2021.