James Mackinder was born in c. 1833 but became a wire manufacturer in Sheffield where he lived for most of his life. He established his own wire manufacturing firm which was amalgamated with Kayser, Elliott and Co. of which he became a director. He was a leading member of the United Methodist Free Church in Sheffield, holding several offices at Pye Bank United Methodist Free Church and served as a steward of the Hanover United Methodist Circuit in Sheffield for over 25 years. He latterly resided at The Limes, Barnsley Road, Sheffield.

He died in Torquay on 25th March 1903, aged 70, and was buried at Burngreave Cemetery, Sheffield.

Although he died some years before the church opened, James Mackinder is credited as playing a significant role in the establishment of Firth Park United Methodist Church through his work for the Hanover United Methodist Circuit.

Image from Firth Park United Methodist Church Bazaar Programme, Apr 1917 (page 13) (Sheffield City Archives: X979/1/2).