James Helmick Beatty (May 8, 1836 – October 21, 1927) was a United States federal judge.
Born in Lancaster, Ohio, Beatty received an A.B. from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1858 and read law to enter the bar in 1862. He was a Superintendent, Jackson Public Schools, Jackson, Mississippi from 1858 to 1861. He was in the United States Army Lieutenant from 1863 to 1865. He was in private practice in Lexington, Missouri from 1865 to 1872. He was a Register in bankruptcy, Lexington, Missouri from 1865 to 1872. He was an assistant U.S. Attorney of the Salt Lake City, Utah from 1872 to 1882. He was in private practice in Hailey, Idaho from 1882 to 1889. He was a Senator, Idaho Territorial Legislature from 1886 to 1888.
Beatty was a federal judge on the United States District Court for the District of Idaho. Beatty received a recess appointment from Benjamin Harrison on March 7, 1891, to a new seat created by 26 Stat. 215; nominated on December 10, 1891. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 4, 1892, and received his commission the same day. Beatty served in that capacity until March 1, 1907, due to retirement.
He died in Hollywood, California.