James Edward Kearney (October 28, 1884 – January 12, 1977) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City in Utah (1932–1937) and bishop of the Diocese of Rochester in New York (1937–1966). Biography Early life James Kearney was born in Red Oak, Iowa, the second of the three sons of William Patrick and Rosina (née O'Doherty) Kearney. His parents were immigrants from County Donegal in Ireland. In 1886, the family moved to New York City, where his father worked selling furniture. Kearney received his early education at Public School No. 27 since there was no parochial school at his home parish, St. Agnes. Kearney graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx in 1901. He then attended the Teachers College of Columbia University in Manhattan, earning a Regents license to teach in New York State. In 1903, Kearney began studying for the priesthood at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, New York. He was sent in 1908 to complete his theological studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Priesthood Kearney was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of New York by Bishop Thomas Cusack on September 19, 1908. He earned a Licentiate of Sacred Theology from Catholic University in 1909. Following his return to New York City, he was assigned as a curate at St. Cecilia's Parish in Manhattan, remaining there until 1928. In addition to his pastoral duties, Kearney taught at Cathedral College in Queens, New York. Kearney served as the first pastor of St. Francis Xavier's Parish in the Bronx from 1928 to 1932 and founded the parish school there in 1929. During his tenure at St. Francis Xavier, he also served as professor of religion at Good Counsel College in White Plains, New York, and as superintendent of parochial schools in the Bronx. Bishop of Salt Lake City On July 1, 1932, Kearney was appointed the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City by Pope Pius XI. He received his episcopal consecration on October 28, 1932, from Cardinal Patrick Hayes, with Bishops John Mitty and John Dunn serving as co-consecrators, at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan His installation took place at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City on November 24, 1932. Bishop of Rochester Following the appointment of Bishop Edward Mooney to the Archdiocese of Detroit,