james edward sullivan (8 november 1862 – 16 september 1914) was an american sports official of irish descent. he was one of the founders of the amateur athletic union (aau) in 1888, serving as its secretary from 1889 until 1906 when he was elected as president of the amateur athletic union from 1906 to 1909. he declined a fourth term and was re-elected to his former position as secretary-treasurer until his sudden death which followed an emergency operation. sullivan also served as the chairman of the greater new york irish athletic association in 1903 and on the new york city board of education from 1908 to 1912.