James H. Blessing (April 17, 1837 – February 21, 1910) was an American inventor, engineer, and business executive from Albany, New York.

A native of Guilderland, New York, Blessing was raised and educated in Albany, and worked as a grocery store clerk before becoming an apprentice machinist.

After completing his apprenticeship, Blessing worked at an Albany machine shop until the start of the American Civil War.

James Henry Blessing was born in French Mills, part of the town of Guilderland, New York, on April 17, 1837, the son of Frederick I.

[1] Blessing began working as a grocery store clerk when he was twelve, and he continued in this position until he was sixteen.

[1] At the start of the American Civil War, Blessing and Frederick Townsend invented a breech-loading rifle intended for use by the Union Army.

[1] Townsend joined the army and Blessing began working for the navy, so they did not continue to pursue procurement and fielding of their new firearm.

[1] When the United States Navy planned construction of the cruiser USS Albany, he organized ceremonies to commemorate the launch of the new ship.

[1] Blessing's victory helped usher in more than 20 years of control by the Republican organization headed by William Barnes Jr.[1][4][a] He did not run for reelection in 1900.

[1] Blessing's civic and professional memberships included the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Capital City Republican Club, and Albany Institute of History & Art.