James Jacob Plihal (/ˈpliːhɑːl/ PLEE-hahl; born June 19, 1996)[1] is an American rower.

At the 2023 Pan American Games, he won gold as a member of the mixed eight competition.

[2] He graduated from Vashon Island High School in 2014,[3] then from Northeastern University in 2018 with a degree in architectural studies.

In 2022, he finished ninth in the double sculls at the World Rowing Cup II.

[4] At the 2023 Pan American Games, Plihal won gold as a member of the mixed eight competition, and silver in the men's single sculls.