| Joe James | |
| Birth Date: | 12 April 1934 |
| Birth Place: | Spur, Texas, U.S. |
| Player Years1: | 1952–1954 |
| Player Team1: | Howard Payne |
| Player Positions: | Tackle |
| Coach Years1: | 1955 |
| Coach Team1: | Hamilton HS (TX) (assistant) |
| Coach Years2: | 1956–1959 |
| Coach Team2: | La Vega HS (TX) (assistant) |
| Coach Years3: | 1960–1963 |
| Coach Team3: | La Vega HS (TX) |
| Coach Years4: | 1964–1967 |
| Coach Team4: | Howard Payne |
| Overall Record: | 16–24–1 (college) |
Joe Neil James (April 12, 1934 – October 9, 2015) was an American football coach. He was the 11th head football coach at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, serving for four seasons, from 1964 to 1967, and compiling a record of 16–24–1.[1] James came to Howard Payne from La Vega High School in Bellmead, Texas, where was head football coach from 1960 to 1963.[2] James played college football at Howard Payne and was selected in the 20th round of the 1955 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears.[3]