James Sampson (1789 – November 9, 1861) was an Irish-born physician, educator and politician in Canada. He served as mayor of Kingston from 1839 to 1840 and in 1844. He was born in Banbridge, County Down, the son of Reverend William Sampson and Alicia Brush, was educated in Dublin and trained in medicine at Middlesex Hospital. He came to Canada in 1811 as named assistant surgeon for the 85th Regiment of Foot. The following year, he was transferred to the Royal Newfoundland Fencible Infantry, serving during the War of 1812. In 1815, he was transferred to the 104th Regiment of Foot. In May 1817, he was retired on half pay and married Eliza Chipman, the daughter of judge Edward Winslow. Sampson set up practice at Niagara later that year. In 1820, he moved to Kingston. The following year he wa