James M.
Parsons (1935 - 1937)
Served on the Iowa
Supreme court from January 1, 1935, until his death December 16, 1937. For one
term of six months he was Chief Justice.
Born near Anamosa, Iowa,
October 16, 1858, At the age of ten he was left an orphan, but in spite of this
handicap he acquired an education in civil engineering at Iowa State College
and at Cornell College. In 1879 he turned to the study of law and was admitted
to the bar the following year. In 1881 he located at Rock Rapids where he engaged
in the private practice of law. While at Rock Rapids he served as Mayor and one
term as County Attorney. In 1906 he moved to Des Moines where he continued in
private practice until coming on the Supreme Bench.
