James Edward Pugh (born November 12, 1950) is an American trombonist and composer.

He was a trombonist with Woody Herman (1972–1976) and briefly with Chick Corea before concentrating on session work.

[1] He attended the Eastman School of Music from 1968 to 1972, where he played in an ensemble under Chuck Mangione.

[1] Pugh toured and recorded with the Woody Herman Band for four years from 1972,[1] and briefly performed with Chick Corea in 1977.

[1] He then concentrated on studio session work for jazz and popular musicians.