James Caras (17 December 1908 – 3 December 2002) was an American professional pool player, most well known for winning five World Straight Pool Championship titles between 1935 and 1949.

[2][3][4] After a 12-year hiatus, Caras would return to cue sports, and win the BCA U.S. Open Straight Pool Championship in 1967 at the age of 58.

[5] [1] Caras would be inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 1977.

[1][6] Caras is also known for inventing trick shots, as well as producing books, such as Pocket billiard fundamentals and trick shots made easy in 1969.

[7] and Trick and Fancy Shots in Pocket Billiards in 1966.