James M.B. Buzzard at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
James M.B. Buzzard
Biography
Professional career
- The Municipal Court Judge for the City of Centralia, Washington, appointed in 2011 to replace his father, Judge Steve Buzzard, and also serves as the city’s attorney for several municipalities
- His brother, R.W. Buzzard, is a Lewis County District Court judge
- In summary: James M.B. Buzzard is a long-time Centralia attorney and judge, with a background in law, sports, and community service, currently serving as Municipal Court Judge and city attorney for multiple jurisdictions
Education
- He is a native of Centralia, graduating from Centralia High School in 1993, earning a BA from Eastern Washington University, and later obtaining his J.D. from Seattle University Law School and the University of Washington School of Law in under three years.
- Eastern Washington University — BA, student-athlete
Additional information
- Appointed in June 2011 after being selected from five candidates by City Manager Rob Hill, who described him as “the best fit” for the court.
- He succeeded his father, Judge Steven Buzzard, who retired in May 2011 after more than a decade on the bench.
- Centralia High School (1993) — Eagle football team, first-team all-conference and all-American honors
- City attorney for several local towns
- Before his judicial role, Buzzard was an attorney with Buzzard Law Group and Buzzard and Associates
- focusing on estate planning, probate, real estate, and business law.
- Former professional football player with the San Diego Chargers
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Recording and broadcasting
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.
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 judgeWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Statewide
If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed.
Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumptionWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Lewis County - Municipal Courts - Centralia
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 ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster ↗Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Statewide source · PDF · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗