James Van Fossen (born May 5, 1960) is a former Iowa State Representative from the 81st and 42nd Districts.

A Republican, he served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1995 to 2009.

He received his BBA from Saint Ambrose University.

During his last term in the Iowa House, Van Fossen served on the Commerce, Economic Growth, Local Government, and Ways and Means committees.

He left office in 2009, having lost his 2008 reelection bid to Democratic opponent Phyllis Thede.