James Benjamin Ricks (December 23, 1852 – June 23, 1906) was an American jurist, lawyer, and politician from Illinois.

From 1901 until his death in 1906, Ricks served on the Illinois Supreme Court, succeeding Jesse J.

[1] Ricks died of stomach cancer at his home in Taylorville, Illinois.

[1] Ricks was married to Pammie Geltmacher, of Bloomington, Illinois.

The couple had six children (three of whom reached adulthood) – including Union Carbide executive Jesse J.