James Barnard Blake (June 19, 1827 – December 18, 1870) was an American politician who served as the 15th Mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts, from 1866 to 1870.

[1] When he was eighteen years old, he entered his uncle's firm, Blake & Darracott, which had charge of the first gas-works in Worcester.

[1] Blake served six terms as mayor, defeating Daniel Waldo Lincoln in 1865, and Isaac Davis in 1867.

During his administration, the sewer system was put into use, highways were improved, a steamer was added to the fire department, and the police force was increased.

[1] In 1870, Blake was injured in a gas-works explosion, and died a few days later, on December 18, 1870, in Worcester.