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Johnnie Max Kilpatrick (January 24, 1945 – December 10, 2024) was an American judge and politician. He served as judge to the 6th district of the Mississippi Chancery Court from 2005 until his retirement in 2010. Previously, Kilpatrick was a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1972 until 1980.

Early life and education

Kilpatrick was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi, on January 24, 1945, to Johnnie and Desma Kilpatrick. He had two siblings, Linda and Gerald.

Kilpatrick graduated from Philadelphia High School in 1963. He attended Mississippi State University, obtaining a bachelor of science in accounting. Kilpatrick later attended the University of Mississippi School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 1973.

Career

State politics

Kilpatrick served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from the 26th district, which covers Leake County and Neshoba County, from January 1972 until 1980.

Local politics

Upon graduation in 1973, Kilpatrick started law practice in Philadelphia, Mississippi. He served as the District Attorney of the Mississippi 8th Judicial District (Mississippi Circuit Courts) in 1980. Kilpatrick also served as Board Attorney of the Neshoba County Board of Supervisors for 17 years.

Kilpatrick was appointed to succeed Edward C. Prisock as judge to the 6th district of the Mississippi Chancery Court by Governor Haley Barbour, taking office on July 1, 2005. He was reelected in November 2006, for a 4-year term. Kilpatrick retired from the position in May 2010, effective June 30. During his tenure, he swore in James Young, the first African-American mayor of Philadelphia, Mississippi. Kilpatrick was succeeded by D. Joseph Kilgore.

As a member of The Mississippi Bar from 1973, Kilpatrick continued law practice, serving as a referee to the Juvenile court of Kemper County until his retirement from the position in 2022.

Other ventures

In addition to law and politics, Kilpatrick served in the Mississippi National Guard for 26 years, retiring with the rank Major.

Controversies

In 2008, Kilpatrick ruled that Mississippi's price gouging law was unconstitutional, rejecting Jim Hood's claims. Hood had sued the Louisville, Mississippi gas company Fair Oil Co. in 2007, accusing them of price gouging in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. After an appeal hearing in 2010, Kilpatrick's ruling was overturned unanimously in 2011.

Personal life and death

Kilpatrick was married to Kathy House Kilpatrick and had three children, along with a step-child. His daughter, Amy, also served as a referee to the Juvenile court of Kemper County.

Kilpatrick died in Philadelphia, Mississippi, on December 10, 2024, at the age of 79.

References

1. ^ "Obituary for J. MAX KILPATRICK". McClain-Hays Funeral Service. December 10, 2024. Archived from the original on December 19, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
2. White Jr., Jesse L.; Kelly, Roman (1972). "Handbook: 1972 Session. Biographical Data of Members of Senate and House, Personnel of Standing Committees" (PDF). Mississippi Legislature. University of Mississippi. p. 24. Archived from the original on June 5, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
3. ^ "Retired judge Kilpatrick has died". The Neshoba Democrat. December 18, 2024. Archived from the original on December 20, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
4. "Chancery Judge J. Max Kilpatrick takes oath of office". State of Mississippi Judiciary. Courts of Mississippi. July 1, 2005. Archived from the original on September 14, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
5. ^ Associated Press (May 24, 2010). "Kilpatrick to Retire in June". WTOK-TV. Archived from the original on June 6, 2016. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
6. Artivist, Tha (July 9, 2009). "Meet James Young The First Black Mayor Of Philadelphia,Ms". W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
7. Thomas, Steven (July 7, 2010). "Kilgore sworn in as Judge of 6th Chancery Court District". The Neshoba Democrat. Archived from the original on December 13, 2018. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
8. "Fifty-Year Anniversary Members" (PDF). The Mississippi Bar. 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
9. "Miss. SC to hear AG's price-gouging appeal". Magnolia Tribune. November 18, 2010. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
10. Associated Press (March 11, 2011). "Mississippi Supreme Court rules that state's price-gouging law is constitutional". GulfLive.com. Advance Publications. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
11. Henderson, Jace (August 30, 2023). "Kilpatrick proud of making impact from bench". The Neshoba Democrat. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
12. McClain-Hays Funeral Home (December 13, 2024). "Remembering the life of J. Max Kilpatrick". Obituaries. The Meridian Star. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
13. "Retired Judge J. Max Kilpatrick died December 10". State of Mississippi Judiciary. Courts of Mississippi. December 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.

External links

• J. Max Kilpatrick at Ballotpedia

Further reading

• Primeaux, Larry; Campbell, Donald; Bell, Debbie. J. Max Kilpatrick. The Better Chancery Practice Blog.

• 1945 births
• 2024 deaths
• Mississippi State University alumni
• University of Mississippi School of Law alumni
• People from Philadelphia, Mississippi
• People from Neshoba County, Mississippi
• People from Kemper County, Mississippi
• Mississippi lawyers
• Mississippi politicians
• American accountants
• Mississippi National Guard personnel
• County officials in Mississippi
• Mississippi state court judges
• District attorneys in Mississippi
• Members of the Mississippi House of Representatives
• 20th-century members of the Mississippi Legislature