James R. Lyon (November 4, 1833 – c. 1914) was an American merchant, Republican politician, and Union Army volunteer in the American Civil War.

[1] Lyon was born on November 4, 1833, in Benton, New York.

During the American Civil War, he served in Company I of the 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment in the Union Army.

Lyon was a merchant by trade.

[1] Lyon was elected to the Assembly in 1888 and was defeated seeking re-election in 1890.