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EDUCATION: A native of New Bern, North Carolina, Chief Judge James E. C. Perry graduated from J. T. Barber High School. From there he attended Saint Augustine's College, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Accounting. After serving in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant, he went on to Columbia Law School where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1972. |
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PERSONAL HISTORY: Judge 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. Formerly the Mayor of Longwood, Florida, Dr. Perry is currently a professor at Stetson University and chair of its Education Department. Married 33 years, 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. |
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| COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Judge Perry, who resides in Longwood, is 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. Judge 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, Judge 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 currently serves as treasurer on the Board of Trustees at Saint Augustine’s College. Judge Perry has been a member of the Carter CME Tabernacle Church of Orlando for more than 20 years. He currently serves as trustee and is a member of the choir. |
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| LEGAL CAREER: As an attorney, Perry was widely recognized for his legal skills and abilities. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Perry was senior partner in the law firm of Perry & Hicks, P.A., where he specialized in civil and business law. |
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ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS: Legal Member
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AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS: Judge 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, Judge 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 Judge 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, Judge Perry received the prestigious Williams-Johnson Outstanding Jurist of the Year Award for 2006 from the Brevard and Seminole County Bar Associations. Judge 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. |
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JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT: Judge Perry was the first African-American appointed to the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. Governor Jeb Bush issued this statement when he appointed Judge Perry to the circuit bench in March of 2000. “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, Judge Perry has run unopposed to retain his seat. |
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TENURE AS CHIEF JUDGE: Judge Perry was elected unanimously by his fellow judges to serve as Chief Judge for a two-year term beginning July 2003. As Chief Judge, he was responsible for all administrative functions of the court and oversaw major building projects in both Seminole and Brevard Counties. During his term, Chief Judge Perry earned the reputation as a consensus builder, and is credited with fostering a more harmonious environment within the judicial circuit. |
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| ARTICLES PUBLISHED: None |
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