James R. Spencer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Randolph Spencer
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| Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | |
| In office March 25, 2014 – June 2, 2017 |
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| Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | |
| In office 2004–2011 |
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| Preceded by | Claude M. Hilton |
| Succeeded by | Rebecca Beach Smith |
| Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | |
| In office October 14, 1986 – March 25, 2014 |
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| Appointed by | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | John Ashton MacKenzie |
| Succeeded by | M. Hannah Lauck |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Randolph Spencer
1949 (age 75–76) Florence, South Carolina |
| Education | Clark College (BA) Harvard University (JD) Howard University (MDiv) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1975-1978, 1981-1986 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit | J.A.G. Corps |
James Randolph Spencer (born in 1949) is a judge who worked for the United States government. He served on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Early Life and Education
James Randolph Spencer was born in Florence, South Carolina, in 1949. He went to Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1971, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree there. He then studied law at Harvard Law School, getting his law degree in 1974.
After law school, he joined the J.A.G. Corps as a captain. This is a special group of lawyers in the U.S. Army. He worked there from 1975 to 1978. After leaving active duty, he became an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. He held this job from 1978 to 1983.
He also continued to serve in the United States Army Reserves. From 1981 to 1986, he was a Military Judge. Later, from 1983 to 1986, he worked as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. In 1985, Mr. Spencer earned another degree, a Master of Divinity, from Howard University.
Becoming a Federal Judge
President Ronald Reagan chose James R. Spencer to be a judge on September 9, 1986. He was nominated for a position on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The United States Senate approved his nomination on October 8, 1986. He officially became a judge on October 14, 1986.
Judge Spencer was the first African American to be appointed as a federal judge in Virginia. From 2004 to 2011, he served as the Chief Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia. This means he was the main judge in charge of that court. Rebecca Beach Smith took over as Chief Judge after him.
On March 25, 2014, Judge Spencer took on a new role called "senior status." This means he worked a reduced schedule. He fully retired from his active duties as a judge on June 2, 2017.
Personal Life
Judge Spencer's wife, Margaret Spencer, is also a judge. She serves on the Richmond, Virginia Circuit Court.
See also
- List of African-American federal judges
- List of African-American jurists
- List of first minority male lawyers and judges in Virginia
