James Coffey (27 January 1890 – 20 December 1959) was an Irish heavyweight boxer. Despite only taking up boxing upon emigrating to the United States of America at the age of 20, Jim rapidly rose through the rankings to become an acknowledged contender for the World title during the so-called "Great White Hope" era of the sport.

Jim Coffey, an Irish emigrant to the United States, who became the leading "White Hope" for the heavyweight championship of the world in the Jack Johnson / Jess Willard era, the most gladiatorial time in the history of heavyweight boxing. Known as the “Roscommon Giant” he was to draw the biggest and most enthusiastic Irish following ever witnessed in Madison Square Garden. From very humble beginnings in a remote village in the West of Ireland, he was to become the virtual “Toast of New York”. The ‘Roscommon Giant’ Jim Coffey 1890-1959, was born in Tully, Carrowbehy, Castlerea, County Roscommon in 1890. On immigrating to America, the Irish born boxer was to become one of Ireland’s greatest heavyweight boxing contenders of yesteryear.

On returning to his homeland after an illustrious boxing career, Jim Coffey got married, raised a family and settled down to farming in Loughglynn. He encouraged and trained young boxers, founding the boxing club in nearby Loughlynn.

In April 2017, a monument was erected in his memory near his birthplace.