Administrative Office of Courts
Judge Backstrom announces that he will not seek re-election Administrative Office of Courts Circuit Judge James W. Backstrom announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election this year to a third term in the 19th Circuit Court District. The district is made up of Greene, George and Jackson counties. Backstrom said, "I have decided that I will not seek re-election to the office of Circuit Court Judge. It has been a great honor for me to serve in this very important office. It has been a privilege to serve with excellent judges, staff and court personnel as well as the attorneys of my district. "I would like to thank the citizens of Greene, George and Jackson counties for allowing me to serve them as circuit judge. When my term ends this year, I intend to return to the practice of law," Backstrom said. Judge Backstrom, 59, of Gautier, was appointed by then-Gov. Kirk Fordice to the 19th Circuit Court on March 2, 1993. Judge Backstrom was elected without opposition to two terms. He has completed the requisite time in public service to take state retirement. His term of office expires Dec. 31, 2002. Judge Backstrom served as vice-president of the Jackson County Bar Association 1986-1987 and as president 1987-1988. As a member of the Mississippi Bar, he was a member of the Board of Bar Commissioners 1992-1993, a member of the Interprofessional Relations Committee 1990-1995, and was chair of the state and federal prosecutors subcommittee in 1995. Judge Backstrom has served as vice-president of the George County Jaycees, as chairman of the George County Chapter of the American Red Cross and as a member of the board of directors of United Way of Jackson County. He served as vice-president of the Singing River Elementary PTA, president and a member of the board of directors of the Jackson County Chapter of the Ole Miss Alumni Association and president of the Pascagoula Hardwood Club. He is a member of the B.P.O. Elks, # 1120. He is a charter member of the Old Hickory Club and is a former member of the Gautier Rotary Club. #### |
