James N. Bloodworth

James Nelson Bloodworth (January 21, 1921 – December 28, 1980) was a Justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama from 1968 to 1980.

Early life, education, and career[]

Born in Decatur, Alabama, Bloodworth received a B.S. from the University of Alabama School of Commerce and Business Administration in 1942, and entered the United States Army the following year,^[1] serving in World War II.^[2] He received an LL.B. from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1947.^[1][2] Bloodworth began the practice of law in Decatur, working in that field for eleven years, and also serving on the state Board of Pardons, and as a judge of the Decatur Recorder's Court from 1948 to 1951.^[1][2] Bloodworth remained in the U.S. Army Reserve following his military service, ultimately retiring from service as a lieutenant colonel.^[1]

Judicial service[]

In 1958, Bloodworth was elected as a circuit judge of the Alabama Eighth Judicial Circuit, and was reelected to that position in 1964.^[1][2] In November 1968, he ran for a seat on the Alabama Supreme Court vacated by the death of ,^[1][2] the seat having been filled in the interim by the appointment of John P. Kohn. In support of his candidacy, Bloodworth "visited every courthouse in the state".^[2] After winning the nomination of the Democratic Party, he was unopposed in the general election.^[3] He was reelected to a full term in 1970, and again in 1976, but retired from the bench in September 1980 due to health problems.^[1][2]

Personal life and death[]

James Nelson Bloodworth married Jean Gregg of Decatur,^[2] with whom he had three daughters, all of whom survived him.^[1]

Bloodworth died three months later in a hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, at the age of 59.^[1]

References[]

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