James R. Sheffield

James Rockwell Sheffield (August 13, 1864 – September 2, 1938) was an American attorney and Republican political figure who served in the New York State Assembly and was Ambassador to Mexico during the administration of Calvin Coolidge.

In 1924, he was selected to serve as Ambassador to Mexico, with Hughes playing a leading role in obtaining the appointment from President Coolidge.

Sheffield was replaced by Dwight Morrow, who received favorable publicity for his work to create a friendly relationship with President Plutarco Elías Calles.

Sheffield continued to practice law in New York City, and in 1930, he was appointed a Special Ambassador to Venezuela, leading a US delegation for ceremonies dedicating a statue of Henry Clay in Caracas.

They were the parents of a son, Frederick Sheffield, who participated in the 1924 Summer Olympics as a member of the United States rowing team that won a gold medal; he later worked as an attorney in New York City.