James Rees (1802, Norristown, Pennsylvania – 1885) was an American author, playwright, and editor. He also worked as a salesman, and as a clerk for the United States Post Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Rees was co-editor of the Mechanics' Free Press, 1831; and editor of The Dramatic Mirror, 1842; and of The Philanthropist, 1854. He was closely involved with the Home Missionary Society of the City and County of Philadelphia, a Christian evangelist organization.He and his wife Anna were the parents of four children, the first two of whom were born in their mother's home state of Louisiana.