James Valentine (29 July 1866 – 25 July 1904), also known by the nickname of "Jim Val", was an English rugby union, and semi-professional Northern Union (Rugby Football League (RFL)) footballer who played in the 1880s, 1890s and 1900s. He played representative level rugby union (RU) for England and Lancashire, and at club level for Swinton, as a centre, i.e. number 12 or 13, and club level rugby league (RL) for Swinton, as a forward (prior to the specialist positions of; prop, hooker, second-row, loose forward), during the era of contested scrums. Prior to 2 June 1896, Swinton was a rugby union club.