James G. Bleak (1829-1918) was a postmaster, clerk, editor, historian, and temple worker in St. George, Utah.

James Godson Bleak was born on November 15, 1829 in Southwark, London, England to parents Thomas Bleak and Mary Godson Bleak. James’s father died when he was 14, and his mother died two years later. As a result, James was forced to quit school and begin work. He worked both as apprentice to a silversmith and as a clerk. James married Elizabeth Moore in 1849, and together they joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints one year later. The Bleak family travelled to America aboard the ship Horizon in 1856. After arriving, they joined the Edward Martin Company leaving Iowa City in 1856. Their family safely arrived in Utah, and they settled in Ogden. James married his second wife, Caroline Blanche Gosnold in 1860, just before he was called to help settle St. George, Utah in 1861. That same year, James married his third wife, Jane Percilla Thompson. One year later in 1862, James married his fourth wife, Irene Thompson. In total, James fathered 33 children. He and some of his family members were adopted into the Wilford Woodruff family via temple ordinances. After moving to St. George, James worked as postmaster. He also helped edit both the Millennial Star and the Journal of Discourses. James served in many church positions, including missionary to England, counselor in a bishopric, bishop, member of the stake high council, clerk and historian for the Southern Utah Mission, temple ordinance worker, first recorder for the St. George Temple, and patriarch. Between 1898 and 1907, James authored a history of the Southern Utah Mission. James died on January 30, 1918 in St. George, Utah.