James Paine was an English rower who competed in the 19th century and won the Wingfield Sculls and events at Henley Royal Regatta.
Paine lived in London and rowed initially as a member of the Argonaut Club.
In 1853 he won the Wingfield Sculls, the amateur championship of the River Thames, against Stephen Rippingall and Josias Nottidge.
A. Casamajor and Herbert Playford which won the Stewards' Challenge Cup.
Paine partnered Casamajor in the Silver Goblets in 1859 when they were runners up to Edmond Warre and John Arkell.