Robert Salle James (July 17, 1818 – August 18, 1850) was an American Baptist minister and one of the founders of William Jewell College in 1849 in Liberty, Missouri.

Robert Salle James was born near Big Whippoorwill Creek at Lickskillet, Logan County, Kentucky.

The family soon relocated to Clay County, Missouri, where Zerelda's mother and stepfather were living, but Robert commuted back to Kentucky and eventually received a Master of Arts from Georgetown.

Probate records show that at his death he owned six slaves and was a commercial hemp farmer.

James's death left his family saddled with debts and many of his possessions, including one of the slaves, were auctioned off to pay them.