James Joseph Davis (November 7, 1852 – December 2, 1926) was an Irish-born prelate of the Roman Catholic Church.

One of his sisters became the superior of Sacred Heart Convent at Sag Harbor, New York, and another, Sr. Sebastian, was a member of the same order in France.

[3] While in school, Davis was recruited to serve in the Diocese of Dubuque by Bishop John Hennessy.

Davis was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Dubuque in Carlow on June 21, 1878, by Bishop James Walshe.

[8] Before the Diocese of Des Moines was established, Davis had requested that all the diocesan boundaries in Iowa be redrawn to distribute the Catholic population more evenly.

While the Vatican denied Davis' request for new boundaries, it did sever Clinton County from the archdiocese and give it to the Diocese of Davenport.

Ambrose College started enrolling women on a limited basis by admitting members of religious orders of teaching sisters in 1924.

The next year the Congregation of the Humility of Mary opened St. Joseph Junior College in Ottumwa.

As his health declined, Davis requested that the Vatican appoint an auxiliary bishop to assist him.

[13] Bishop Howard, however, was appointed archbishop of the Archdiocese of Oregon City eight months prior to Davis' death.