James W. Mickley was reared on the family farm, and early in life removed to Allentown. While there engaging as a clerk in a store, his leg was very seriously hurt, and he was obliged to go to St. Joseph's Catholic Hospital in Philadelphia, where it was amputated. After recovering he came to Catasauqua, where he was teller in the National Bank and later worked in the interests of the Thomas Iron Company, being Superintendent of the ore beds located at Hokendauqua. Later he became a stockholder in that company, with which he was connected until his decease. Mr. Mickley was a public-spirited man, who gave his aid and influence for the promotion of every enterprise which would benefit the community. He was particularly interested in educational work, and together with his brother Edward, secured the introduction of free books into the public schools. He was a Republican in politics, and represented his party at state conventions, and presided over the county conventions. He was very popular in Allentown and this city, and his death, which occurred in 1880, was deeply felt by his many friends in this locality. He was very patriotic in sentiment and action, and during the late war, when Pennsylvania was threatened by the enemy, he entered the service and was given a place in the commissary department. He lived an honorable and upright life, and was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church in Hokendauqua.