Appointed by Barack Obama Preceded by Allyson Duncan Preceded by James Phillips Succeeded by Himself | Preceded by Himself Name James Wynn, Succeeded by Cressie Thigpen Role Jurist | |
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Education University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Marquette University Law School, University of Virginia School of Law | ||
James Andrew Wynn Jr. (born March 17, 1954) is an American jurist, currently a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and formerly on both the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court.
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Early life and education
Wynn grew up in the Eastern North Carolina community of Robersonville. He holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.A., Journalism, 1975); Marquette University Law School (J.D., 1979) and University of Virginia School of Law (L.L.M., Judicial Process, 1995).
Early career
Following graduation from law school, Wynn served in the Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy on active duty for four years - stationed at Navy Base, Norfolk, Virginia. He continued his service for 26 more years in the Navy Reserve which included service as a military judge. He retired in 2009 at rank of Captain.
After completing his initial duty of four years in the Navy, Wynn practiced law in Wilson and Greenville, North Carolina.
Judicial career
From 1990 until his 2010 senate confirmation to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit, Wynn served on both the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of North Carolina.
In the American Bar Association, Wynn served as Chair of the Appellate Judges Conference and the Judicial Division.
Nomination under Clinton
On August 5, 1999, President Bill Clinton nominated Judge Wynn to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to fill a vacancy created by the decision by Judge James Dickson Phillips Jr. to take senior status.
Wynn's nomination never received a hearing from the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.
Renomination under Obama
President Barack Obama nominated Wynn and North Carolina Superior Court Judge Albert Diaz for seats on the Fourth Circuit on Nov. 4, 2009. Obama's renomination of Wynn and nomination of Diaz were jointly endorsed by North Carolina senators Kay Hagan, a Democrat, and Richard Burr, a Republican. His nomination was confirmed by the full Senate on August 5, 2010 by unanimous consent.