James C. Clarken (19 July 1876 – 31 July 1953) was a rugby union player who represented Australia.
Clarken, a prop, was born in Thames, New Zealand and claimed a total of 4 international rugby caps for Australia His debut game was against New Zealand, at Dunedin, on 2 September 1905.
Clarken and Harald Baker (brother of R. L. "Snowy" Baker) are remembered for their heroic rescues in the Coogee surf disaster of 28 January 1911.