Jackson Free Press

" />Former Ninth District Chancery Judge, Ceola James , is seeking a seat on the Mississippi Supreme Court, District One, Position 2. This seat was left vacant by the retirement of Justice Fred Banks from the bench in 2001. Ceola previously qualified to run in the special election that was set for November 5, 2002. James E. Graves, Jr. was appointed as an interim Justice in 2001 until a special election could be held, but the one year appointment was extended to three years when the special election that was set for November 5, 2002 was retroactively cancelled by the Mississippi Legislature. The general election will take place on November 2, 2004. She is happy to be back on the ballot! The general election has drawn two new candidates, Samac S. Richardson and William L. "Bill" Skinner. All candidates are non partisan. No party primaries were necessary. Please consider Ceola James. She needs your vote.

Presently, there are no former Chancery Judges on the Mississippi Supreme Court and only one female. If elected, Ceola will bring to the bench a wealth of experience as a solo practitioner who practiced both civil and criminal law. Her judicial experience has also further enhanced her ability to serve on the bench. If elected, she will bring to the bench strong analytical skills along with the desire to be fair to all people, regardless of their station in life. Elect a hard-working attorney who is willing to be fair and balance the scales of justice.

JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE

Elected as Ninth District Chancery Judge (January, 1999 through December, 2002). The Ninth District includes six counties: Warren, Sharkey, Issaquena, Washington, Humphreys, and Sunflower Counties. Did not seek re-election, but qualified to run for the Mississippi Supreme Court.

Appointed as Interim Justice Court Judge for the Southern District of Warren County by the Warren County Board of Supervisors for the year of 1997.

Appointed to serve as a Special Master Judge in the Chancery Court of Warren County from 1992 through 1994.

Appointed by the Mississippi Supreme Court to serve as a Special Chancery Judge in the Chancery Court of Forest, Scott County in 2003. Ceola was also previously appointed by the Mississippi Supreme Court to serve as a Special Chancery Judge in Rankin County, Mississippi during her tenure as Ninth District Chancery Judge. Ceola was also appointed to serve as a special City Court Judge in Port Gibson, Mississippi.

LAW SCHOOL, MEMBERSHIPS, AWARDS, AND HONORS

Graduate, Mississippi College School of Law. Prior to attending law school, was also certified to teach French and English. Studied French at the University of Montreal in Montreal, Providence of Quebec, Canada.

Member of the Mississippi State Bar Association, Magnolia Bar Association, Phi Delta Psi (a National Honorary French Society), Women in the Profession Committee of the Mississippi State Bar Association, Mount Heroden Baptist Church, and Mount Heroden Baptist Church Board of Trustees, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Teacher of the Year Award, trophy for poem Immortal Faith, Outstanding Young Woman of the Year 1980; Plaque given by some members of Washington County Bar Association for being dedicated, compassionate, and having a true love for the children. Ceola is firm, yet fair and flexible.

Bio and picture taken from official Ceola James's campaign website