James Playfair McMurrich, FRSC (October 16, 1859 – February 9, 1939) was a Canadian zoologist and academic.

From 1881 to 1884, he was a Professor of biology and horticulture at Ontario Agricultural College in the University of Guelph.

He was a Professor of Anatomy in homoeopathic department of the University of Michigan.

In 1922, he was the president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

In 1939, he was awarded the Royal Society of Canada's Flavelle Medal.