James Joseph Johnson (25 September 1881 – 5 May 1956) was a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1910s. He played at representative level for New Zealand ( Heritage № 102), and Hawke's Bay, as a forward (prior to the specialist positions of; prop, hooker, second-row, loose forward), during the era of contested scrums. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

In 1911 Johnson played for Ahuriri in the inaugural Hawke's Bay club competition. He played 2 matches for Hawke's Bay, one of which was against Auckland at Victoria Park. He scored a try in a 17-13 loss. ^[5] He also played one match for Napier against Dannevirke. In 1912 he played for Napier against Danevirke and played in 4 matches for Hawke's Bay against Auckland, Hamilton, New South Wales, and Canterbury. He scored a try against Auckland and another against the New South Wales side, while adding a goal in their match with Canterbury.

Johnson represented New Zealand in 1913 against New South Wales.^{[ citation needed]}