James Arthur Roberts (March 8, 1847 – November 19, 1922) was an American lawyer and politician.

[1] In 1864, he enlisted as a private in the 7th Maine Battery, and fought at the Siege of Petersburg, and later participated in the campaign ending with the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House.

Then he studied law at Buffalo, New York, was admitted to the bar, and practiced there.

From the time he was admitted to the bar in 1875 until 1894, Roberts practiced law in Buffalo.

Their daughter Amelia married Frank St. John Sidway.