James N. Bloodworth

Born in Decatur, Alabama, Bloodworth received a B.S. from the University of Alabama School of Commerce and Business Administration in 1942, and entered the United States Army the following year,[1] serving in World War II.[2] He received an LL.B. from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1947.[1][2] Bloodworth began the practice of law in Decatur, working in that field for eleven years, and also serving on the state Board of Pardons, and as a judge of the Decatur Recorder's Court from 1948 to 1951.[1][2] Bloodworth remained in the U.S. Army Reserve following his military service, ultimately retiring from service as a lieutenant colonel.[1]

In 1958, Bloodworth was elected as a circuit judge of the Alabama Eighth Judicial Circuit, and was reelected to that position in 1964.[1][2] In November 1968, he ran for a seat on the Alabama Supreme Court vacated by the death of John L. Goodwyn,[1][2] the seat having been filled in the interim by the appointment of John P. Kohn. In support of his candidacy, Bloodworth "visited every courthouse in the state".[2] After winning the nomination of the Democratic Party, he was unopposed in the general election.[3] He was reelected to a full term in 1970, and again in 1976, but retired from the bench in September 1980 due to health problems.[1][2]

James Nelson Bloodworth married Jean Gregg of Decatur,[2] with whom he had three daughters, all of whom survived him.[1]

Bloodworth died three months later in a hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, at the age of 59.[1]