James Knox (July 4, 1807 – October 8, 1876) was a U.S. Representative from Illinois. Born in Canajoharie, New York, Knox was the son of James and Nancy (Ehle) Knox. Knox entered the Sophomore class of Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, in 1827, and a year later entered the corresponding class at Yale College, the former institution having been temporarily broken up by dissensions. After graduation from Yale in 1830, he studied law with William. H. Maynard and Joshua A. Spencer, in Utica, New York. He was admitted to the bar in 1833 and after May's death became the partner of Spencer.