After spending the past seven years as Lamar County attorney, Joseph “Jop” Parker has taken the step up to Lamar County Court judge.
Parker began that role on February 20, via an appointment by Gov. Tate Reeves to fill the spot that was being temporarily held by judge William “Billy” Andrews. Reeves appointed Andrews in a special capacity after former county judge Brad Touchstone took a position on the 15th Circuit Court.
“I feel great about it,” Parker said. “I feel honored to be selected by the governor to take over Judge Touchstone’s position.
“As a lifelong resident of Lamar County, it’s my honor to be appointed to this position, and I greatly look forward to having the opportunity to serve the people of my community.”
Parker has served as the county and Youth Court prosecuting attorney for Lamar County since 2015, and the city prosecuting attorney for Lumberton since 2021. Parker also served as the Lamar County Economic Development Board attorney.
He has maintained his own private practice, Parker Law Firm PLLC, since 2015, and has experience in a range of other private civil practices. Parker earned his law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law and a BSBA from the University of Southern Mississippi.
“I have complete confidence that he will embrace this important role and serve Lamar County with distinction,” Reeves said in a statement.
Parker said in his new role, he is looking forward continuing the work of the former judges who occupied the seat.
“I want to dovetail off of what Judge Touchstone and Judge Andrews did, with implementing the county youth court to make Lamar County a safe place for our families and youth to live,” he said.
A race for the County Court Judge position will be added to the ballot for the November 7 general election. The winner of that election will be sworn in to serve on the bench.
“I will be qualifying and running for that,” Parker. “In order for me to take over as county judge, I had to resign and/or let go of my county attorney position.
“So hopefully I will be presiding on the county court bench for Lamar County for the definite future.”
The Lamar County Board of Supervisors is expected to appoint a new county attorney in the coming days to fill Parker’s former position.
