Data are presented on the reaction J/psi --> <p(p)over bar <eta>> using 7.8
x 10(6) J/psi triggers collected by the BEjing Spectrometer (BES). A parti
al wave analysis is performed. A clear enhancement near the p eta((p) over
bar eta) threshold is observed. It is fitted with a J(P) = 1/2(-) resonance
with mass M = 1530 +/- 10 MeV and width Gamma = 95 +/- 25 MeV. In addition
, there is a peak around 1650 MeV with J(P) = 1/2(-) preferred also, fitted
with M = 1637 +/- 20 MeV and Gamma = 145(-45)(+80) MeV. These two N* reson
ances are believed to be the two well established states, S-11(1535) and S-
11(1650). respectively. It is the first partial wave study of the productio
n of these resonances from J/psi decays. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Sci
ence B.V.