Judge Profile

James E.C. Perry

Judicial Experience:

  • Justice, Florida Supreme Court (March 11, 2009)
  • Circuit Judge, Florida's Eighteenth Judicial Circuit (March 01, 2000)
  • Chief Judge, Circuit Court (July 01, 2003)

Other Professional Experience:

  • Professor, Stetson University. Married, 1971
  • Senior Partner, Perry & Hicks, P.A.

Biographical Data:

  • A native of New Bern, North Carolina, Justice Perry met his future bride, Adrienne M. Perry, Ph.D., while at Columbia Law School. A scholar in her own right, Mrs. Perry earned her undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Oswego. She then went on to receive a master's degree from Columbia University and a doctorate in education from the University of Florida. they have three children, all college graduates. Their eldest son, Willis Perry, is a businessman in Tallahassee. Son Jaimon and daughter Kamilah Perry are attorneys in the Central Florida area. Justice Perry has been actively involved in many community activities. A dedicated father, Perry managed his son's AAU basketball team, the SanLando Greyhounds and played an active role in all their sports activities. He supported the Greyhounds through several successful seasons, and the whole family traveled cross-country with the team as they advanced through the championship playoffs. The Perrys were also involved in their daughter Kamilah's activities, which included piano, ballet, and cheerleading. Justice Perry's commitment to improving children's lives extends beyond his own family. As founder and president of the Jackie Robinson Sports Association, Perry built a baseball league serving 650 at-risk boys and girls, the largest in the nation. However, the Association did more than coach baseball. Volunteers also served as mentors and provided free tutoring. In addition to his work with disadvantaged kids, Justice Perry served as captain of the Heart of Florida United Way Campaign and his firm served as general counsel for the Florida Chapter Branches of the NAACP. He is a former member of the Board of Trustees at Saint Augustine's College. He is a former trustee of the choir. As an attorney, Perry was widely recognized for his legal skills and abilities. Prior to his appointment to the trial bench, Justice Perry has received numerous honors and awards including the Seminole County NAACP Humanitarian Award, the Orange County Chapter NAACP Paul C. Perkins Award, and the 2005 Martin Luther King Drum Major Award for Social Justice. In 2004, Justice Perry was honored by his hometown, New Bern, North Carolina, receiving the Key to the City. In 2005, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) selected Justice Perry as one of four individuals to be profiled during its national broadcast of An Evening of Stars: A Celebration of Educational Excellence. Most recently, Justice Perry received the prestigious Williams-Johnson Outstanding Jurist of the Year Award for 2006 from the Brevard and Seminole County Bar Associations. Justice Perry is frequently asked to speak at schools, churches, and civic groups. He has delivered the commencement address at several schools including the University of Central Florida and his alma mater, Saint Augustine's College. "James brings a high level of professionalism, knowledge, and skill to the bench. His community service and commitment to the Jackie Robinson Little League demonstrates his dedication to the community. I am confident that his expertise, strong commitment, and dedication will continue to be an asset to the 18th Judicial Circuit and the state." Following his appointment to the circuit court bench, Justice Perry ran unopposed to retain his seat. Justice Perry is the 85th Justice to take office at the Florida Supreme Court since statehood was granted in 1845.

Education:

  • J.D., Columbia Law School, 1972
  • Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Accounting, Saint Augustine's College, 1966
  • Graduate, J. T. Barber High School

Professional Civic Activities/Honors/Awards:

  • Founder & President, Jackie Robinson Sports Association
  • Member, Carter CME Tabernacle Church of Orlando

Staff:

  • Dawn Stallworth, Judicial Assistant