James Lynah (1881 – February 24, 1956) was an American businessman and sports administrator who is considered the principal founder of the Eastern College Athletic Conference.

[1] After graduation, Lynah worked for DuPont for fifteen years, becoming a plant manager during World War I.

His efforts led to the creation of the Eastern Intercollegiate Athletics agency, which became the modern ECAC.

[3] Lynah left his position at Cornell on indefinite leave to serve as assistant director of the ammunition and light ordnance division of the National Defense Advisory Committee in Washington.

The ECAC created the James Lynah Distinguished Achievement Award in 1957 to recognize outstanding athletic administrators.