James Woodson Bates (August 25, 1788 – December 26, 1846) was an American lawyer and statesman from Sebastian County, Arkansas.

In 1807, Bates' older brother Frederick was Secretary of the Missouri Territory, based in St. Louis.

That fall he was elected to be the non-voting delegate for the territory in the United States House of Representatives.

Bates served until President Jackson named judge Charles S. Bibb to the post.

While serving as a circuit judge, Bates met a wealthy widow, Elizabeth Moore.