Judge James Jefferson has died

VICKSBURG, Miss.(VDN) – Warren County Justice Court Judge James Jefferson Jr. has died, officials confirmed Thursday night. He reportedly died at St. Dominic Hospital.

Jefferson served as justice court judge for the Central District since 2009 and was most recently re-elected in 2023.

In addition to his role on the bench, Jefferson owned Mississippi’s oldest Black-owned business and the state’s oldest registered Black funeral home, Jefferson Funeral Home. He grew up in the funeral home business and continued its legacy while serving the community in public office.

An official cause of death has not been released.

This is a developing story.