James Richard Ambrose (August 16, 1922 – January 16, 2017) was an American aerospace executive who was United States Under Secretary of the Army from 1981 to 1988.

In late 1955, Ambrose was one of the co-founders of Systems Research Corporation.

Ambrose worked in management at Ford Aerospace for thirty-six years.

From 1968 to 1981, Ambrose held the title of Vice President for Technical Affairs of Ford Aerospace.

After Senate confirmation, Ambrose held this office from October 1981 until February 1988.