James Guthrie Davidson (1837 – 8 February 1891) a native of Scotland, was a lawyer and a colonial administrator in Malaya in the nineteenth century.

Woods had a large native clientele throughout the Malay Peninsula, and Davidson, during his ten years in partnership with him, gathered a similar following, developing ties with local leaders and business interests in the Native States, and an in depth knowledge of their customs and practices.

[1][2] When, in 1874, Sir Andrew Clarke, Governor of the Straits Settlements, was seeking a suitable appointee to act as Resident of Selangor following a request from the Sultan to send him officers to assist him in his unsettled state, Davidson was recommended for the position.

[3][4][5] Davidson and the Viceroy at Klang were friends and according to Swettenham, who later succeeded him, Davidson, "was able to establish a Government Treasury with a proper system of accounts, to organise a police force, and initiate such simple reforms as were required in a small place like Klang.

[1][9][10] Davidson died in Singapore on 8 February 1891 when he was involved in a carriage accident whilst travelling from his home to the cathedral.