| James A. Shelton | |
| Birth Date: | 1916 |
| Death Date: | June 4, |
| Birth Place: | Denton, Montana |
| Death Place: | Near Midway Atoll |
| Placeofburial Label: | Place of burial |
| Allegiance: | United States |
| Serviceyears: | 1941–1942 |
| Rank: | Ensign |
| Branch: | United States Navy |
| Unit: | Scouting Squadron Six (VS-6) |
| Battles: | World War II |
| Awards: | Navy Cross (posthumous) |
James A. Shelton was born in Denton, Montana, in 1916, and enlisted in the United States Navy on 15 January 1941. Appointed an aviation cadet on 20 March 1941, he trained at Pensacola, Miami, and San Diego.
Ensign Shelton was assigned to Scouting Squadron Six (VS-6) on 17 April 1942 and was reported missing on 4 June 1942 during the Battle of Midway. For his heroism and devotion to duty, he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
Two ships were named USS Shelton after him.