James Vashon was an officer of the British Royal Navy and the first captain of HMS Dreadnought, in 1801-02. Previously, he had commanded Alert (1781), Europa (1786), and Formidable.

Washington's Vashon Island was named after him by the explorer George Vancouver, who had been Vashon's subordinate in Europa.

Vashon rose to the rank of Admiral and was knighted.

He is reported to have been stationed for many years in the West Indies.