The data parameter needs to be the format of jQuery's .serializeArray(), which makes this really useful for cloning a form and keeping the input values in tact.

gistfile1.txt

var populate = function ($form, data) {
  
  var $inputs = $form.find(':input');
  
  $.each( data, function (idx, field) {

    var $ctrl = $inputs.filter(function(){
      return this.name === field.name;
    });

    var value = field.value;

    var type = $ctrl.attr('type') ? $ctrl.attr('type') : 'text';

    switch (type) {
      case "radio":
      case "checkbox":
        $ctrl.each(function(){
          var $this = $(this);
          if( $this.val() === value ){
            $this.prop('checked', true);
          }
        });
      break;
      default:
        $ctrl.val( value );
      break;
    }

  });

};