01/04/2025
Rankin County Court Judge Joshua McCrory takes oath on January 3
January 3, 2025
New Rankin County Court and Youth Court Judge Joshua McCrory will deal with the issues that come before him with fairness, kindness and compassion, colleagues said on Friday, Jan. 3, before he took the oath of office.
Fellow Rankin County Court Judge David Morrow said, “The children of Rankin County are winners today because of the heart of Josh McCrory.”
As Youth Court Judge, McCrory will preside over matters involving allegations of child abuse and neglect as well as juvenile delinquency.
Attorney Mark Baker, Judge McCrory’s law partner for 13 years, said that he possesses “not just the legal acumen for the position, but the temperament and wisdom.”
Judge McCrory was surrounded by his children and his parents as he took the oath. His wife Tonya McCrory held the Bible as Justice Court Judge Richard Redfern administered the oath.
Judge McCrory said afterwards, “I’m really humbled by the responsibility that God has given me in this position and I’m looking forward to meeting those expectations.”
Judge McCrory previously served for 19 years as a Rankin County Justice Court Judge. He has practiced law for 22 years. He studied international business at the University of Mississippi and earned a Juris Doctor at the University of Mississippi School of Law. He is a lifelong resident of Brandon.
Judge McCrory was elected in November 2024 to the seat most recently held by Judge Kent McDaniel, who returned from retirement to accept appointment to the court after the May 21, 2023, death of Judge Thomas Broome. “We were blessed to have Tom Broome do that for the last 20 years,” Judge Morrow said.
Judge McDaniel led the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the ceremony. Before reciting the Pledge, he said, “After the horrors of the last few days, when evil came to our very shores, it makes this mean more to me, and I hope it does to you.”
Family, friends and most of the Rankin County judiciary attended the ceremony at the Rankin County Justice Center in Brandon. Rankin County Chancery Clerk Mark Scarborough, a longtime family friend, cited scripture and called on the judges to seek God’s guidance. “This country was built on laws. Those laws also mention compassion and the word of God. Get on your knees and thank Him for what we have and ask him to protect our future.”
A photo is attached for your consideration. Caption: Justice Court Judge Richard Redfern, at left, administers the oath of office to Rankin County Court Judge Joshua McCrory as Judge McCrory’s wife Tonya holds the Bible. Judge McCrory’s parents and children accompanied him at the ceremony at the Rankin County Justice Center in Brandon on Jan. 3.
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