James Lyons (October 12, 1801 – December 18, 1882) was a nineteenth century American politician from Virginia who also served in the Confederate Congress.

Lyons was born in Hanover County, Virginia, in 1801, and graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1819.

[1] He authored the Virginia Whig platform of 1840, pledging to oppose a National Bank and protective tariffs.

[3] At Franklin Pierce’s campaign for President in 1852, Lyons joined the Democratic Party, becoming an outspoken advocate of States Rights.

His interest in Southern affairs included service as the president of Virginia’s Agricultural Society.