James Cooney (July 28, 1848 – November 16, 1904) was an American lawyer and Democratic politician from Marshall, Missouri.

Cooney was born in County Limerick, Ireland on July 28, 1848.

His parents moved their family to the United States in 1852, and settled in Troy, New York.

He then became a school teacher and principal, and worked in Illinois and Missouri for several years, including serving as principal of the high school in Sturgeon, Missouri.

After leaving Congress, Cooney resumed the practice of law in Marshall.