James Cochran (1802 – March 6, 1877) was an Irish-born merchant and political figure in Nova Scotia, Canada.
He represented Halifax County in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1867 to 1871.
He was born in Granard, County Longford, the son of Timothy Cocoran and Margaret Flood, and came to Halifax in 1825.
He worked for the firm of Temple and Lewis Piers, ship's chandlers.
He was a director of the People's Bank and the Acadia Fire Insurance Company.