James is from Wilmington, North Carolina. He attended Pender High School. He has a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University. He has a law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law. He lives with his wife, Angela, and their daughter in the Northside neighborhood. He attends Byrd’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

James Faison, III - Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame

Individuals & Families | Voyage

PENDER COUNTY WALL OF FAME WELCOMES THREE ...

James H. Faison III is from Wilmington, North Carolina. He has a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University and a law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law. He lives with his wife, Angela, and their daughter in the Northside neighborhood. He attends Byrd’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

James is a district court judge for North Carolina’s Fifth Judicial District. He works at the Fifth Judicial District Court, serving New Hanover and Pender counties, where he has been since 2000. He previously worked at the Fifth Judicial District’s office as a staff attorney and as an Assistant District Attorney from 1992 to 2000.

Elected Officials | New Hanover County, NC

James is an attorney and pastor at Byrd's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

James currently serves as the district court judge for North Carolina's 5th Judicial District. He was first appointed in 2000.

As a staff attorney for the 5th Judicial District, prosecuted civil and criminal actions under state law and presented cases before grand juries.

As an assistant district attorney for eight years, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney's office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

As a district court judge for the past 26 years, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payments, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

- As a staff attorney for the 5th Judicial District, prosecuted civil and criminal actions under state law and presented cases before grand juries.
- As an assistant district attorney for eight years, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney's office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.
- As a district court judge for the past 26 years, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payments, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Legal Experience

As of January 5, 2026, James H. Faison III’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Advocates for youth and education by contributing to over 20 scholarships annually and leading anti-bullying initiatives.

- Advocates for youth and education by contributing to over 20 scholarships annually and leading anti-bullying initiatives.

Community Involvement

James H. Faison III

James is from Wilmington, North Carolina. He has a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University. He has a law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law. He lives with his wife, Angela, and their daughter in the Northside neighborhood. He attends Byrd’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

James H. Faison III currently serves as the district court judge for North Carolina's 5th Judicial District. He was first appointed in 2000.

- James worked as a staff attorney for the 5th Judicial District.
- James worked as an Assistant District Attorney, where he prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney's office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.
- James has served as a district court judge for the past 26 years. As a district court judge, he oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payments, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Buket Urgen

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Legal Elite 2022: North Carolina's top lawyers, chosen by their peers ...

Kurt B. Fryar earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Kurt currently works as an attorney at the Kurt B. Fryar Law Firm. 

Kurt B. Fryar's campaign for North Carolina District Court Judge, District 6 is his first entry into politics.

Who is running for office in Wilmington, NC, in 2026?

Kurt's campaign for North Carolina District Court Judge, District 6, is his first entry into politics.

As an attorney for 24 years, Kurt has experience general practice with experience in real estate, estate planning, litigation, business law, and personal injury.

- As an attorney for 24 years, Kurt has experience general practice with experience in real estate, estate planning, litigation, business law, and personal injury.

As of January 5, 2026, Kurt B. Fryar did not have a website or any information online.

Kurt B. Fryar

Kurt earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Kurt B. Fryar's campaign for North Carolina District Court Judge, District 6, is his first entry into politics.

As of January 5, 2026, Kurt B. Fryar’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- District Court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. Civil cases dealing with divorce, child custody, and child support are heard in District Court. 
- Under the District Court, the magistrate can try small claims cases ($10,000 or less), landlord eviction cases, and suits for recovery of personal property. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer, recognized by the North Carolina Constitution as an officer of the district court. 
- District Court Judges are elected for a four-year term. Elections are partisan. 

North Carolina District Court Judge, District 6

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