Public office is a family tradition, M. James “Jim” Chaney Jr., said a day after being appointed to the judgeship in the 9th Circuit District vacant due to the resignation of 20-year Judge Frank Vollor.

Though he has been the longtime attorney for the Vicksburg Warren School District, that employment was part of his private legal practice with the firm Teller, Chaney, Hassell and Hopson, LLC.

When he takes the oath as circuit judge Wednesday morning, he will be a full-time public servant. His father, Mark Chaney of Bovina, served in the Legislature and as Warren County chancery clerk in addition to working as a teacher and coach. His grandfather, Mark Chaney, also served in the Legislature among many other roles — postal carrier, farmer, teacher and principal at Redwood and Bovina schools.

As a model, Chaney said he looks to former Judge Ben Guider, who was on the bench as the only judge in the district when Chaney opened his law practice here 32 years ago. Today, he said he was “excited and looking forward to this challenge.” He said the district, which includes Warren, Sharkey and Issaquena counties, is “fortunate to have honest judges. It’s not true everywhere, and I hope it continues.”

Gov. Haley Barbour tapped Chaney Monday from a list of applicants and nominees deemed qualified by a screening panel. “Jim’s solid and diverse experience in the legal field gives him a unique perspective to serve on the bench,” Barbour said, “and I appreciate his commitment to public service in this new role.”

Barbour elected not to call a special election to replace Vollor, meaning Chaney, 57, will serve at least until the end of 2010. Vollor said he will accept appointments by the Supreme Court as a senior status judge and will practice law privately in Vicksburg and Starkville.

Chaney will join the bench immediately as junior judge to Isadore Patrick, also on the 9th Circuit bench for 20 years.

James Price, superintendent of the Vicksburg Warren County School District, said Chaney, who has held leadership positions among his fellow school attorneys statewide, would be missed, “We’re sorry to see him leave, but proud for him to fill this judgeship,” Price said. “He is one of the premier school law attorneys, top three in the state.”

Price confirmed that state Sen. Briggs Hopson, a partner in Chaney’s firm, likely would be among those considered by the school board for the future. “I’m sure he’ll be in consideration, but we’ll make recommendation to the board,” Price said. “There’s no critical issue right now that requires action.” Chaney’s wife, Monnie, also works at Teller, Chaney, Hassell and Hopson as office manager. He has a son, Mark, and a daughter, Sarah.

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Contact Matt Breazeale at mbreazeale@vicksburgpost.com