James A. Rutherford (July 7, 1825 – February 6, 1914) was a prominent settler of Independence County, Arkansas.

He began as first lieutenant in the 7th Arkansas Infantry within Company E, the "Pike Guards", of Independence County, commanded by Captain John H. Dye.

He succeeded Dye in command at Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 1862, and received a battlefield promotion to lieutenant colonel during the Battle of Shiloh.

He was captured at Grand Glaise, Arkansas on January 27, 1864, and imprisoned in Little Rock until Major General Frederick Steele ordered his release on July 14, 1864.

Rutherford surrendered with General M. Jeff Thompson on May 11, 1865, and was paroled at Jacksonport, Arkansas on June 5, 1865.