James “Jim” Chaney Jr. took the oath as the new judge for the 9th Circuit Court Wednesday, saying immediately he would seek to be elected to the spot in 2010.

The 57-year-old Vicksburg native is filling the unexpired term that Frank Vollor held for 20 years until leaving last month to return to private practice.

“I will be seeking election,” he said. “Hopefully, I’ll be here 15 to 20 years, I guess about until I’m 77; I’m not just here for 18 months.”

Chaney took the oath from a law school classmate, Mississippi Chief  Justice William L. “Bill” Waller Jr.

“This is all exciting and I’m very overwhelmed,” Chaney said. “I look forward to doing the best job that I can.”

Chaney has practiced with Teller, Chaney, Hassell and Hopson.

“All my past experience should be of benefit as a judge,” he said. “Working with individuals and small businesses, everything you do adds to your knowledge.”

After the swearing-in ceremony, Chaney thanked his parents, Bovina residents Mark J. and Kathryn Chaney, both 75.

 “It’s because of them I turned out this way,” he said

Chaney has served as attorney for the Vicksburg Warren County School District for 30 years, and said he believes another attorney from his firm might continue to handle school business until the district hires a new one.

Chaney, who is now junior judge to Isadore Patrick, will serve until December 2010, when Patrick’s and Chaney’s terms end.

Mississippi has 22 circuit court districts and 51 circuit court judges elected to serve four-year terms. The 9th Circuit District covers Warren, Sharkey and Issaquena counties.

Judges are paid $104,170 a year, the lowest in the nation.

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Contact Matthew Breazeale at mbreazeale@vicksburgpost.com