James McConnell may refer to:

• James McConnell (engineer) (1815–1883), British engineer of the London and North Western Railway
• James McConnell (chess), (1829–1917), Louisiana lawyer who played chess with Morphy and other champions, see Sacrifice
• James V. McConnell (1925–1990), American biologist
• James McConnell (Medal of Honor) (1878–1918), Philippine–American War Medal of Honor recipient
• James E. McConnell (1903–1995), British book and magazine cover artist
• James Robert McConnell (1915–1999), Irish theoretical physicist and Roman Catholic priest
• James Rogers McConnell (1887–1917), World War I aviator
• James McConnell (footballer, fl. 1886–1890), English football goalkeeper
• James McConnell (footballer, born 2004), English football midfielder for Liverpool