James Witherspoon (August 8, 1920 – September 18, 1997) was an American jump blues singer.

Witherspoon was born in Gurdon, Arkansas. His father was a railroad worker who sang in local choirs, and his mother was an avid piano player. Witherspoon’s grandson Ahkello Witherspoon is the starting cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Witherspoon eventually joined the Merchant Marines.