James Glas Grindlay (February 14, 1840 – October 19, 1907) was a Union Army officer in the American Civil War and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Battle of Five Forks.

He twice briefly led his brigade after his superior officers became casualties, and was brevetted brigadier general shortly before the end of the conflict.

[4] Promoted to major,[2] Grindlay led the 146th for the remainder of the campaign, including the battles of North Anna, Totopotomoy Creek, and Cold Harbor.

He led his men at the Battle of Boydton Plank Road in late October, and, after being promoted to lieutenant colonel, at Hatcher's Run in early February.

[7] At the Battle of Five Forks on April 1, 1865, the 1st Brigade, including the 146th New York, led the 2nd Division's attack on the Confederate breastworks.

[1] In 1874 and 1875 he served as the U.S. consul to Kingston, Jamaica,[2] and from 1891 onwards he worked at the New York State Comptroller's office in Albany.

[7] Grindlay died in a car accident in Troy, New York, at age 67[1] and was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica.