James Stuart PC (2 January 1843 – 12 October 1913) was a British educator and politician.

Stuart was interested in popularising scientific topics and published several books on the subject.

He became known for his contribution to London politics and in February 1890 was chosen as an Alderman of the London County Council; the added work caused him to resign his chair at Cambridge.

His sister in law Ethel Colman was the first female Lord Mayor of Norwich.

[3] His wife and sisters in law's memorial to him was the 1915 erection of a block of 22 flats, to re-house some of those affected by the Norwich flood of 1912.