James D. Neilson (October 1, 1909 – December 9, 1979) was an American television director, known for his work with Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color.
During the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Neilson directed over a hundred television episodes, including multiple episodes of dramatic series such as Adam-12, Ironside, Walt Disney's Wonderful World, Bonanza, Batman, Zorro, The Rifleman, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and others.
Movies directed by Neilson include Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow, The Moon-Spinners,Gentle Giant, The First Time, Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows, and Moon Pilot.
Neilson's direction was nominated for a 1959 primetime Emmy Award for General Electric Theater.
In addition to directing, Neilson's filmography includes credits for writing, on Wonderful World of Disney (1970), and for acting, on Perry Mason (1961).