James Challen (dates of birth and death unknown) was an English cricketer.
Though his date of birth is not known, it is known he was christened on 11 August 1787 at Lurgashall, Sussex.
Challen made his first-class debut for Petworth in 1845 against the Marylebone Cricket Club at Lord's in 1845.
[2] Two years later he made his first-class debut for Sussex against England.
[2] His son, James Challen junior, played first-class cricket for Sussex.