James B. Burns (September 21, 1945 – December 11, 2020) was an American lawyer who served as the inspector general for the Illinois Secretary of State. He was also a professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and American Basketball Association (ABA). He was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the fourth round (34th pick overall) of the 1967 NBA Draft. He played only three games with the Bulls during the 1967–68 season where he teamed with fellow McLeansboro native Jerry Sloan. Burns also played for the Dallas Chaparrals (1967–68) in the ABA for 33 games.