James Iver McKay (July 17, 1792 – September 14, 1853) was an American lawyer and politician who served nine terms as a member of the United States House of Representatives from North Carolina from 1831 to 1849.

He was also the chief sponsor of the Walker Tariff of 1846;[2] and was the favorite son of the North Carolina delegation at the 1848 Democratic National Convention for Vice President.

McKay also introduced the Coinage Act of 1849 on the House floor, with it successfully passing.

[3] McKay died in Goldsboro, North Carolina, September 14, 1853.

[4] Though an unapologetic slave-owner, his will included the unusual provision that 30–40 of his slaves be placed under the supervision of the American Colonization Society.