James Whittaker (February 28, 1751 – July 20, 1787) was the second leader of the Shakers. Whittaker was born in Oldham, England and became a weaver and a member of the artisan and merchant class. He came to colonial America with Mother Ann Lee, who was one of his relatives and raised him. Father Jaems Whittaker, Father William Lee (Ann's brother), and Mother Ann Lee had lived in Manchester, England and were known as the First Parents of the Shaker sect.