James Kelly (1916 – 3 April 1985) was an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in , County Kilkenny, Kelly first arrived on the inter-county scene when he first linked up with the Kilkenny senior team. He made his debut in the 1938 championship and immediately became a regular member of the team. During his career he won two All-Ireland medals and six Leinster medals. He was an All-Ireland runner-up on three occasions. His retirement came following Kilkenny's defeat by Laois in the 1949 championship.