James Dennis "Jimmy" Burns (July 28, 1865 – January 2, 1928) was an American businessman, hotel operator, politician, and baseball team owner. He was elected sheriff of Wayne County, Michigan, and served a four-year term. He also served three times as a delegate from Michigan to the Democratic National Convention, in 1908, 1912, and 1916. He was also the first owner of the Detroit Tigers in Major League Baseball, owning the club during the inaugural 1901 season. Burns died in January 1928 at age 62 at Grace Hospital in Detroit.