James Young (13 July, 1811–May 13, 1883), a Scottish chemist, was born in Glasgow, the son of a joiner and carpenter. At the age of 19 he began to attend evening classes at the nearby Anderson's College (now Strathclyde University) and in 1832 became assistant to Professor Thomas Graham and followed him to University College, London in 1837.

James "J.Y." Young (born 14 November 1949, on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois) is a guitarist and member of the rock band, Styx. Young began playing keyboard and piano at the age of five.

James Young (1918 - July 5 1974), also known as Jimmie Young, was a comedian from Ballymoney, Northern Ireland who later lived in Belfast.

James Young (1777 – July 1 1831) was a farmer and political figure in Upper Canada.

James Young (May 24 1835 – January 29 1913) was an Ontario businessman, journalist and political figure. He represented Waterloo South in the Canadian House of Commons as a Liberal member from 1867 to 1878.