James Patton Preston (June 21, 1774 – May 4, 1843) was a U.S. political figure who served as the 20th Governor of Virginia.

The 7,500-acre (30 km²) tract previously known as Draper's Meadow was granted sometime before 1737 by Governor Robert Dinwiddie to Preston's great uncle and namesake, Colonel James Patton, an Irish sea captain turned land speculator who had died in the Draper's Meadow Massacre.

He joined the United States Army for the War of 1812, serving as lieutenant colonel and second in command of the 12th Infantry Regiment.

He was promoted to colonel of the 23rd Infantry Regiment in August 1813 and served until being seriously wounded at the Battle of Crysler's Farm in Ontario.

His term was marked by the state's payment of more than $1.5 million in debt incurred to cover expenses during the War of 1812 and the establishment of the University of Virginia.