James Alexander Rose (October 13, 1850 – May 29, 1912) was an American politician and educator.

He taught school in Pope County, was elected county superintendent of schools in 1873, and state's attorney in 1881.

A Republican, he served as Illinois Secretary of State from 1897 until his death in 1912.

Rose died in Springfield, Illinois as a result of a stomach hemorrhage.

This article about an Illinois politician is a stub.