State Supreme Court Justice Jim Kitchens re-elected

By Janice K. Neal-Vincent

Contributing Writer

Justice Jim Kitchens defeated Kenny Griffis on Tuesday for another eight-year term on the Mississippi Supreme Court composed of nine members. A total of 345,830 votes were cast in the central district that comprises 22 counties. Kitchens, called “the man of the people” by Jackson native Cheryl Turner, won with 185,169 votes (53.54 percent) whereas Griffis received 160, 661 votes (46.46 percent).

Throughout the evening, supporters flooded the Red Room at Hal and Mal’s Restaurant at 200 Commerce St. in downtown Jackson. While mingling with each other, watching election results, and eating a hearty meal, many conversations focused on the Crystal Springs native and resident. “He’s my best friend and he’s a good man. He would be a good fit for Supreme Court Justice,” said Hal and Mal’s employee Darryl Dampeer.

Poet Mel Vinnie Lockhart-Johnson opined, “He is indeed an honorable man. During his campaign I did not hear anything negative about his character. If he wins, I share his joy.” “I supported Jim Kitchens in 2008. He’s a good-hearted man who believes in the people’s rights. I visualize that he will continue to judge fairly to make sure everyone gets their fair day in court. His campaign ran a clean race. They were committed and passionate to the end,” voiced Turner.

Referencing a clean race, Kitchens’ son Dan stated, “I’m proud that my father has and will continue to run a clean campaign. You won’t see him running negative ads or defending dark-money groups. He has too much integrity for that.”

Upon arrival in the Red Room, Kitchens displayed his down-to-earth people-oriented skills with bubbling smiles, handshakes and hugs as he greeted well-wishers. During his 11:30 p.m. victory speech the 73-year-old thanked his committee and all who volunteered in the campaign. “I hope that the message to be learned is that magic politics just don’t work.” Alluding to his opponents, he said, “When they went low, we went high.”

Kitchens referred to his staff as the best in the business who made him feel good. He added, “I thank my children and my grandchildren and the whole family and people beyond 22 counties. I’m going to spend every day of my life (for the people).”

Associate Justice Kitchens earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1964 and his juris doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1967. He was elected district attorney and served nine years for the Mississippi counties of Copiah, Lincoln, Pike and Walthall in 1971, 1975 and 1979. Following those years of service, he returned to the private practice of law. Then in 2008 he sought and won the Mississippi Supreme Court slot for Central District, Place 3. His spouse is Mary Tooke Kitchens, a retired public school teacher. The Kitchens’ have five adult children.