---
title: "James Kirkham | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/james-kirkham-judge-kittitas-county-superior-court-1672-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# James Kirkham

Kittitas County - Superior Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Kittitas County - Superior Court
- State: Washington
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## 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

### photography recording

Scope: statewide

Washington GR 16 allows video recording, audio recording, and still photography by the news media in courtrooms only after the judge has expressly granted permission.

Evidence excerpt: Video and audio recording and still photography by the news media are allowed in the courtroom during and between sessions, provided (1) that permission shall have first been expressly granted by the judge

[Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### limitations on recording

Scope: statewide

If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed.

Evidence excerpt: Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumption

[Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1672&orgid=459)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1672&orgid=459)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1672&orgid=459)
- [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge Kirkham currently holds Position 2 on the Superior Court and his term extends through December 31, 2028
- Judge James D. Kirkham serves as one of the two Superior Court Judges in Kittitas County, Washington, alongside Judge Chris Herion
- For those seeking to contact or learn more about Judge Kirkham, resources such as the Washington State Courts directory and local Kittitas County court websites provide official contact information, schedules, and additional details about his judicial duties
- Judge Kirkham’s role is central to maintaining the legal process in Kittitas County, providing prompt, efficient, and quality judicial services while protecting the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and state law

### Education


### Additional information

- Also a candidate for re-election in the 2024 Washington General Election for the same position.
- The Kittitas County Superior Court is a court of general jurisdiction
- handling a wide range of cases including adult felony crimes, civil disputes, family law matters, juvenile cases, real property disputes, and domestic violence issues.
- The court is located on the second floor of the Kittitas County Courthouse at 205 W.
- 5th Avenue, Ellensburg, WA 98926.



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-7133c6bd26c80972b86e0d31) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.