By Jason C. Mattox

Panola County Justice Court Judge James W. Appleton died late Wednesday, August 5, after a lengthy illness. He was 74.

Appleton had served as justice court judge for the Northern District of Panola County for 38 years at the time of his death.

“He was a judge that knew how to treat people,” said Stella Lee, Appleton’s court clerk of 25 years. “I don’t think we will ever have another one like him.

“I think people know he was a fair judge, and that is why he was able to get elected over and over again,” she continued.

A funeral service has been tentatively scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Sardis.

Other arrangements were incomplete at press time Thursday.

Appleton is survived by his wife of 55 years, Emily; one daughter, Sandra Sturniollo and Dick of Greenwood; one grand-daughter Amanda Sturniollo; two brothers Richard Appleton and Winfred Appleton, both of Batesville; and two sisters Maxine Perkins of Washington, Ill., and Patricia Segars of Batesville.