James Bailey may refer to:
Academics
James Bailey (classical scholar) (died 1864), English schoolmaster
J. O. Bailey (1903–1979), professor of literature
Jay Bailey (James E. Bailey, 1944–2001), American biochemical engineer and pioneer of metabolic engineering
James R. Bailey, professor at George Washington University
Politicians
James Bailey (American politician) (1801–1880), mayor of Houston, Texas
James E. Bailey (1822–1885), US Senator from Tennessee
James Bailey (British politician) (1840–1910), British Conservative Party politician, MP 1895–1906
Sports
James Bailey (basketball) (born 1957), American basketball player
James Bailey (darts player) (born 1969), Australian darts player
James Bailey (rugby union) (born 1983), English rugby player
James Bailey (footballer) (born 1988), English footballer
James Bailey (field hockey) (born 1991), English field hockey player
Others
James Montgomery Bailey (1841–1894), American journalist
James Anthony Bailey (1847–1906), co-founder of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus
James E. Bailey (Medal of Honor) (fl. 1872–1875), recipient during the Indian Wars
James R. A. Bailey (1919–2000), founder and editor of Drum magazine
James Bailey (businessman) (born 1973/4), British businessman, CEO of Waitrose
James Thomas Bailey, founder of ComedySportz Los Angeles
James Bailey, veterinary anesthesiologist, on the Animal Planet show Emergency Vets
Fictional characters
James Bailey (Coronation Street), from British soap opera Coronation Street