James Pitts (1712–1776) was a Massachusetts merchant and an early American Patriot.

His house, which stood on the spot that was occupied by the Howard Athenæum, was a resort of the Adamses and other American Patriots.

In 1770, with Royal Tyler and Samuel Dexter, he was instrumental in persuading Governor Thomas Hutchinson to comply with the popular demand for the removal of the troops from Boston.

Their eldest son, John (Boston 1738 – Tyngsboro 1815), was graduated at Harvard in 1757, was selectman of Boston from 1773 till 1778, represented the city in several provincial congresses, was speaker of the house in 1778, and afterwards a state senator.

He was commissioned lieutenant of light artillery in 1808, and captain in 1809, and served through the War of 1812.