Congratulations Superior Court Judge Bell!

BELOW IS THE ARTICLE THAT APPEARED IN THE ROBESONIAN ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2009
LUMBERTON — James Gregory Bell became Judicial District 16B's newest
Superior Court judge Friday morning during a swearing in witnessed by
an overflow crowd of supporters and well-wishers.
More than 200 people braved below-freezing temperatures to witness the
10 a.m. ceremony as Bell was sworn in by Chief Superior Court Judge
Robert Floyd Jr. in a second-floor courtroom that was filled to
capacity and spilled into the hall.
"I got up this morning and told my wife Bonita that no one will be
here because it's too cold," Bell said, drawing a laugh from the
onlookers.
Bell received standing ovations, one after being introduced by
long-time neighbor and friend, Brian Brooks, and again after he took
the oath of office with his wife holding the family Bible.
He introduced his parents, children and other relatives with obvious
pride, and pointed out numerous friends and supporters before talking
about the path that led to his becoming a judge.
"I used to say I'm lucky, but someone told me luck comes from the
devil, so now I say I'm blessed," Bell said as he fought to keep his
emotions in check. "There's a lot of emotion about this seat."
Bell said the late Judge Dexter Brooks was a major influence in his
decision to study the law.
"I used to see him come home from Carolina on Friday afternoons in
that little red sports car of his and I remember thinking to myself,
'that's what I want to do,'" he said. "I followed in the path of a
great judge and a great man."
Bell reflected on how his career paralleled that of Gary L. Locklear,
the judge he replaced. Locklear retired Dec. 31.
"When he left the law firm of Chavis and Brooks to become a judge,
they hired me," Bell said. "Then he became a superior court judge and
I took his place in district court. Then he retired and here I am
taking his place in superior court. He's on a sailboat now, but that's
where it ends. I'm not getting on a sailboat when I retire."
Bell's appointment last Friday by former Gov. Mike Easley was not
without controversy.
Some argued that the seat should have gone to Bell because if it
didn't, there would be no Superior Court judges in North Carolina who
are American Indian. But others argued that Carter, who is black, had
the better resume.
Bell sought to put the controversy to rest.
"I want everyone to know there's no ill will between me and Judge
Carter," he said. Bell then walked over to where Carter was seated
where they shook hands and embraced as the crowd applauded.
Bell served as a District Court judge in District 16B after Easley
appointed him in 2002. Before serving on the District Court bench,
Bell was in private practice in Lumberton for more than 12 years. He
also served as an appeals referee with the Employment Security
Commission, a staff attorney with Lumbee River Legal Services, and
worked as a teacher and coach with the Public Schools of Robeson
County.
He received his undergraduate degree from what was then Pembroke State
University in science and math with a teacher certification in 1979.
He received his law degree from the UNC School of Law in 1983.
The Superior Court seat was created in 1989 by then Gov. Jim Martin
when there was racial turmoil in Robeson County. American Indians and
blacks lobbied for the seat, but it had always been held by an
American Indian. Brooks held the seat until his death in 2002, when
Locklear was appointed to the seat.
Locklear's term was to expire in 2012, but Bell will have to run to
keep the seat in 2010. A Superior Court judgeship term is for eight
years.
Incoming Gov. Beverly Perdue will appoint a judge to fill Bell's
District Court seat.