John "James" Alcorn Rector (June 22, 1884 – March 10, 1949) was an American athlete.

While competing he was a University of Virginia student and went there to train with Pop Lannigan.

[1] James Rector was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

He won the silver medal in the 100 metres at the 1908 Summer Olympics, tying the Olympic record for the race (10.8 seconds at the time) during both the qualifying heats and the semifinals.

[1] Rector was a prominent St. Louis, Missouri lawyer for more than thirty years before retiring in Hot Springs.