James January Winans (June 7, 1818 – April 28, 1879) was an American lawyer and politician who served one term as a U.S. Representative from Ohio from 1869 to 1871.

Born in Maysville, Kentucky, Winans moved with his parents to Greene County, Ohio.

He attended the common schools and Transylvania University of Lexington, Kentucky.

He was admitted to the bar in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1841 and commenced practice in Indiana.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress