James J. Spelman (January 18, 1841 – June 25, 1894) was a journalist and politician in New York and Mississippi. His early career was as a journalist and a stage performer and manager in New York City. During the American Civil War (1861–1865), Spelman helped encourage the use of African-American soldiers, and once they were allowed, helped to recruit. After the war, he moved to Mississippi where he continued his work as a journalist and served for six years in the state legislature.