James Alexander McLean Roy (3 March 1893 – 26 May 1971) was a New Zealand politician of the National Party.

Biography

Early life and career

He was born and educated in Wairuna near Clinton. He farmed on his father's farm in Wairuna, and his own farm in Cave, South Canterbury. In World War I he was a lieutenant and was awarded the Military Cross and bar, and his medals are on display at the National Army Museum in Waiouru. The citation for his MC reads as follows: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the enemy attacked in force, the section occupied by this officer's platoon found a salient of advanced posts on which the brunt of the attack fell. He went from post to post, cheering and steadying the garrisons, and setting such a fine example that the enemy were completely held up by his platoon. When the enemy tried to push up to the posts through an old communication trench, he met them with bombers, and swept the open ground with a Lewis gun, inflicting a great number of casualties." His second citation, for actions on 9 November 1918, reads: He was a member of the Clinton Presbyterian Church, and Superintendent of the Sunday School there.

Political career

At the, he succeeded Peter McSkimming as an Independent supporter of the Reform-United coalition in the Clutha electorate. In 1936, he joined the new National Party formed from a coalition of the Reform Party and the United Party plus three Independents (Roy, with James Hargest and William Polson). He held the Clutha electorate until 1960, when he retired.

Later life and death

Roy died in 1971. He was survived by his wife, daughter and son.