James Kenan (1740–1810) was a military leader of the American Revolutionary War, and an early senator of the state of North Carolina. James Kenan was elected Sheriff of Duplin County, North Carolina at age 22. While serving as Stamp Master of North Carolina he led a company of volunteers to Wilmington to oppose the Stamp Act. He also served as Chairman of the Duplin and Wilmington Safety Committee. Later he was appointed brigadier general of the Wilmington militia district.