James R. Lientz (1913-2000) was an American chemist.
Born in Los Angeles, Lientz grew up in Kansas City. In 1937, he graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemical engineering. After graduation, Lientz was hired by the Swenson Evaporator Company. In 1940, he left to join the Union Bag and Paper Company in Savannah, Georgia, where he became assistant chemist and chief chemist.
In 1942, Lientz returned to Swenson, and soon became involved in the Manhattan Project. He likely was recruited on the recommendation of his former professor Walter L. Badger, a prominent chemical engineer for whom Lientz had worked as a teaching assistant. An expert on evaporators and chemical separation, Lientz worked in New York City.
After the war, Lientz returned to Union and later became resident manager of the Savannah plant and vice president in charge of production. He was active in numerous civic organizations and served as chairman of the board of trustees at Candler Hospital. He died on September 26, 2000 at the age of 87.