James S. Van Pelt (born November 11, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois) is a former American football player. He played at the quarterback position for the University of Michigan from 1955 to 1957. He also played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League in 1958 and 1959. He led the Blue Bombers to consecutive Grey Cup championships and set league records with seven touchdown passes in a game, a 107-yard touchdown pass, and 22 points scored in the 1958 Grey Cup championship game. His professional football career ended in 1960 when he was drafted into the United States Air Force for a three-year term of service.