James Benton Parsons facts for kids
James Benton Parsons (born August 13, 1911 – died June 19, 1993) was a very important judge in the United States. He made history as the first African American to become a judge in a U.S. district court. He served on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Quick facts for kids
James Benton Parsons
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| Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois | |
| In office August 30, 1981 – June 19, 1993 |
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| Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois | |
| In office 1975–1981 |
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| Preceded by | Edwin Albert Robson |
| Succeeded by | Frank James McGarr |
| Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois | |
| In office August 30, 1961 – August 30, 1981 |
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| Appointed by | John F. Kennedy |
| Preceded by | Philip Leo Sullivan |
| Succeeded by | Paul Edward Plunkett |
| Judge of the Superior Court of Cook County | |
| In office 1960–1981 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Benton Parsons
August 13, 1911 Kansas City, Missouri |
| Died | June 19, 1993 (aged 81) Chicago, Illinois |
| Resting place | Greenwood Cemetery Decatur, Illinois |
| Education | Millikin University (B.A.) University of Chicago (M.A.) University of Chicago Law School (J.D.) |
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Benton Parsons was born on August 13, 1911, in Kansas City, Missouri. His family moved several times because his father was an evangelist and missionary. They lived in places like St. Louis, Lexington, and Dayton before settling in Decatur, Illinois.
From a young age, Parsons knew he wanted to be a lawyer. In junior high, he was already focused on this goal. At Stephen Decatur High School, he was chosen as "class orator" in 1929. This was a special honor, as he was the first African American student to receive it. He also played on the basketball team and was part of the school band and orchestra.
After high school, Parsons went to Millikin University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree there in 1934.
Music Career and Teaching
Parsons first worked as the acting head of music at Lincoln University in Missouri. He met a famous musician named Nathaniel Dett, who offered him a job. Parsons then moved to Bennett College, a college for African American students in Greensboro, North Carolina. There, he helped re-score some of Dett's musical pieces.
By 1939, Parsons became the director of instrumental music for the African American public schools in Greensboro. At that time, schools in the state were separated by race. Under his leadership, the band at James B. Dudley High School became very well-known. They were praised for their excellent music and precise marching.
World War II Service
During World War II, Parsons joined the United States Navy Reserve in May 1942. He served as a Musician (MUS1) and led the U.S. Navy B-1 Fleet Band. This band was special because it was made up of the first African American sailors to hold ranks higher than a messman in the modern Navy.
The B-1 band trained in Norfolk, Virginia, and was stationed at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In May 1944, the band moved to the U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. While there, Parsons was chosen to be on a Navy panel. This panel investigated a riot that happened in Guam among Marines. This experience made him even more interested in studying law. Parsons led the B-1 band throughout his service. He left the Navy in 1945 as a Musician 1st class.
Becoming a Judge
After the war, Parsons used the GI Bill to continue his education. He earned his Master of Arts degree from the University of Chicago in 1946. Then, he earned his law degree (Juris Doctor) from the University of Chicago Law School in 1949.
Parsons started his law career in Chicago, Illinois. He worked as a private lawyer from 1949 to 1951. During this time, he also served as an assistant corporation counsel. From 1951 to 1960, he was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. In 1960, he became a judge for the Superior Court of Cook County, Illinois, serving until 1961.
Federal Judicial Service
On August 10, 1961, President John F. Kennedy nominated James Benton Parsons to be a federal judge. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on August 30, 1961. On that same day, he officially became a judge on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. This made him the first African American to serve as a U.S. district judge in any U.S. district court.
Parsons served as the Chief Judge of the court from 1975 to 1981. He also was a member of the Judicial Conference of the United States from 1975 to 1978. On August 30, 1981, he took on "senior status," which means he continued to work but with a reduced caseload. His service ended on June 19, 1993, when he passed away in Chicago. He was buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur.
See also
- List of African-American jurists
- List of first minority male lawyers and judges in the United States
- List of first minority male lawyers and judges in Illinois
