---
title: "James (Jim) R. Thurman | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/james-jim-r-thurman-ga-magistrate-58af01f6ce9168f520c4d343"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-25"
---

# James (Jim) R. Thurman

Lee County Magistrate Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Lee County Magistrate Court
- State: Georgia
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-08-25

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### electronic devices and recording

Scope: statewide

Georgia's class-specific Uniform Court Rules govern electronic devices and recording in state trial courts. Before using recording, photography, livestreaming, or similar courtroom technology, confirm the governing rule and the assigned court's procedure.

Evidence excerpt: Uniform Superior, Juvenile, Magistrate, Municipal and Probate Court Rules

[Supreme Court of Georgia, court orders amending Uniform Trial Court Rules](https://www.gasupreme.us/rules/amendments-to-rules)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af01f6ce9168f520c4d343/)
- [Official roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af01f6ce9168f520c4d343/)
- [Supreme Court of Georgia, court orders amending Uniform Trial Court Rules](https://www.gasupreme.us/rules/amendments-to-rules)
- [Judicial Council of Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/58af01f6ce9168f520c4d343/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- James (Jim) R. Thurman is the Chief Magistrate Judge of the Lee County Magistrate Court in Georgia, serving since his 2016 election and re‐elected in 2024
- To serve as a Georgia Magistrate Court judge, one must be a county resident for at least one year, be at least 25 years old, and have a high school diploma or equivalent

### Education


### Additional information

- Thurman has been recognized for his judicial leadership and peer‐rated professional excellence



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Georgia Magistrate Court Rule 15 — virtual proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-92c085addd8bb83007e0ba04) — Georgia Magistrate Courts only. Virtual proceedings; consent, exceptions and judicial orders control. Dated 2023 source, later amendments not exhaustively certified. [Official source](https://www.gasupreme.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Order-approving-Magistrate-videoconferencing-rules_entered.pdf). Collected 2026-10-27.