James Sheafe (November 16, 1755 – December 5, 1829) was a United States representative and Senator from New Hampshire.

Born in Portsmouth in the Province of New Hampshire, he completed preparatory studies and graduated from Harvard College in 1774.

He was an unsuccessful candidate in both the 1789 special election and 1790 election for New Hampshire's at-large congressional district.

He was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of New Hampshire in 1816 and died in Portsmouth; interment was in St. John's Church Cemetery.

In 1815, Sheafe was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society.