James Stephens was founded in 1887 as a hurling club. The club is named after James Stephens, the Irish Fenian leader,
and took part in its first championship in 1888. The club was founded in the area of Patrick Street in Kilkenny city, an area locally known as 'the Village.' The James Stephens colours of red and green were adopted as a result of the purchase of a set of jerseys from Erin's Own at a price of 30 shillings.
This is a list of notable hurlers who have played for James Stephens. Generally, this means players that have enjoyed much success with the club or have played for the Kilkenny senior hurling team.