The Hon. James C. Hankinson (Ret.) served as a judge for the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. Hankinson was appointed to the bench by former Governor Jeb Bush in 2002. He retired on June 30, 2020.
The 2nd Judicial Circuit encompasses Franklin County, Gadsden County, Jefferson County, Leon County, Liberty County, and Wakulla County. Hankinson held assignments in Leon County, presiding over cases in the Criminal, Civil, and Family Divisions.
Hankinson earned a B.A. from Davidson College in 1974. He then completed a J.D. at Florida State University College of Law in 1978.
After graduating from law school, Hankinson began his legal career as an assistant state attorney in the Office of the State Attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit. He served in that capacity until 1981, at which time he transferred to the 2nd Judicial Circuit. Then, in 1991, he joined the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Hankinson has been actively involved with the Kiwanis Club, the Adopt a Highway Project, and the Lighthouse Children’s Home.
He was raised in Ocala, Florida.