James Bethune (July 7, 1840 – December 18, 1884) was an Ontario lawyer and political figure.

He represented Stormont in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as a Liberal member from 1872 to 1879.

He articled in law, was called to the bar in 1862 and opened a practice in Cornwall.

In 1865, he was named County Crown Attorney for Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

In 1870, he moved to Toronto and formed a law firm with Edward Blake and James Kirkpatrick Kerr.