James Shedden Palmer (1810 - 7 December 1867) was an admiral in the United States Navy during the Civil War.

Born in New Jersey, Palmer was appointed Midshipman 1 January 1825. He commanded Flirt during the Mexican-American War, and Iroquois and Hartford during the Civil War. He commanded the Naval Station at New Orleans and the West Gulf Squadron during 1864. Appointed to command the West Indian Squadron in 1865, he was commisioned Rear Admiral 25 July 1866 and died at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

USS Palmer (DD-161) was named for him.