James Augustus Wendell (January 1, 1869 in Fort Plain, Montgomery County, New York – May 10, 1922 in Albany, Albany County, New York) was an American politician.

At the time, he was the first state cabinet officer who had been a career employee of his department.

In 1920, his predecessor Eugene M. Travis, Wendell and bond broker Albert L. Judson were indicted on charges of grand larceny.

It was charged that Travis as Comptroller and Wendell as Deputy Comptroller had bought from Judson bonds at prices above the market for the State Sinking Fund, and so caused the loss of $230,000 for the State.

The charges were dismissed in October 1921 because of lack of evidence to show criminal intent.