James Nelson Burnes (born August 22, 1827) was a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from Missouri. He represented Missouri as a U.S. Representative from December 3, 1883, to March 3, 1891, serving four terms in Congress. During this period, he was identified with the Democratic Party and held office as a federal legislator rather than a state or local official.

Burnes served as a representative for Missouri in an at-large capacity, as indicated by his district designation of “-1.” His congressional tenure extended across the 1880s, a time of significant national political and economic change, and he remained in office continuously until 1891. After March 3, 1891, he left Congress and is recorded as a former officeholder. Further details about his committee assignments, personal life, or activities outside Congress are not provided in the available metadata.