James Williams (August 4, 1825 – April 12, 1899) was an American farmer and politician from Smyrna, in Kent County, Delaware.

In 1848 his father bought a large estate in Kent County, Delaware and young Williams moved to Kenton to take up farming and manage the property.

Williams was twice elected as Delaware's only member in the United States House of Representatives, serving in two terms from 1875 until 1879, in the 44th and 45th Congress under U.S. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes.

After returning to private life he expanded into fertilizer manufacturing, and increased his farm holdings in Delaware and Maryland.

Williams lived quietly, died at Smyrna, and is buried there at the St. Peter's Episcopal Church Cemetery.