Clifton James (born May 29, 1921) is an American actor.

James was born George Clifton James in New York, New York or Spokane, Washington to Grace Dean, a teacher, and Harry James, a journalist.

James is known for playing the role of Sheriff J.W. Pepper in the James Bond films Live and Let Die and The Man with the Golden Gun. He also played a very similar character in both Superman II and Silver Streak. Despite being born in New York City, he has been cast as a Southerner in many of his roles. As an example, James played powerful Houston lawyer Striker Bellman in the daytime soap opera Texas from 1981 to 1982. Also, he acted as the Southern Carr the floor walker in Cool Hand Luke, and as Sheriff Lester Crabb, a temporary one off replacement for regular Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane (James Best) in the second season Dukes of Hazzard episode "Treasure of Hazzard" (1979). Other television credits include two episodes of The A-Team, as murderous prison Warden Beale in the first season episode 'Pros and Cons' (filmed 1982, broadcast 1983), and as corrupt Sheriff Jake Dawson in the second season's 'The White Ballot' (1983). In 1996, he played the role of "Red Kilgreen" on the ABC daytime drama series, All My Children.

He also had a role as a district attorney in The Untouchables along side Robert De Niro, Sean Connery and others.

Aside from acting, James is a decorated World War II veteran, U.S. Army Combat Infantry Platoon Sergeant CO."A" 163rd INF. 41st DIV. He served forty-two months in the South Pacific, from January 1942 until August 1945. He spent time in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. His decorations include: Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Presidential Citation, Combat Infantry Badge and Six Battle Stars. He resides in New York City with his wife of 55 years. He has six children, fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Blustery, stocky, loud although often genial character actor who has created a niche for himself playing often frustrated and fast talking Southern characters.....most noticeably as "Sheriff J.W. Pepper" alongside Roger Moore (I) in the James Bond spy adventure Live and Let Die (1973), plus his character returned to assist 007 again in Man with the Golden Gun, The (1974). He may have perfected a Southern drawl, however Clifton James was actually born in New York in May 1921, a graduate of the Actors Studio and was regularly appearing in guest roles on 1950's / 60's TV shows including "Gunsmoke" (1955), "Bonanza" (1959) and "Virginian, The" (1962). He was also busy in the cinema with minor roles in classy productions, such as Cool Hand Luke (1967), Will Penny (1968) and New Centurions, The (1972). After his 007 escapades, James remained busy putting in a great dramatic performance in Deadly Tower, The (1975) (TV), played another loud-mouthed Sheriff in the action comedy Silver Streak (1976) and was superb as team owner "Charles Comiskey" in the dramatization of the 1919 Chicago White Sox scandal, Eight Men Out (1988). He's been quieter in recent years, but recently showed he could still contribute an enjoyable performance in the wonderful John Sayles movie Sunshine State (2002).