Judge James C. Ward, II: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. James ("Jim") C. Ward, II is a judge on the Okaloosa County Court in Florida. He was initially elected to the bench in 2004, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Keith Brace.

Prior to his election, Ward was an attorney in private practice. Before that, he spent time as an assistant state attorney in the Office of the State Attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit (1996 to 2003).

Ward earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and business administration from Troy State University in 1992. He then completed a J.D. at Samford University, Cumberland School of Law, in 1996.

Raised in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Ward attended Choctawhatchee High School. His father, James Ward, represented the Sixth District in the Florida House of Representatives.