James Anthony Neilson (Born: November 28 1941, Big River, Saskatchewan) was a National Hockey League defenceman for the New York Rangers, California Golden Seals and Cleveland Barons and completed his career in the World Hockey Association. Total games played in the NHL, 1023 with 69 goals and 299 assists. He played from 1962–63 season to 1977–78 season in the NHL and 1978–79 in the WHA. In 1974 he was accquired by the California Seals. He played four seasons for them and their successors the Cleveland Barons. In 1978-79 Neilson ended his career with the WHA's Edmonton Oilers.