John Oswalt

Professional career

• John D. Oswalt is the Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1 in Harrison County, Texas, appointed in 2019, with a career spanning over 35 years in fire service, law enforcement, and public service
• Associate’s degree in criminal justice from Kilgore College in 1994

Education

Additional information

• In September 2026, Oswalt was honored for over 35 years of dedicated service in fire, law enforcement, and local government, with local media noting his commitment to public service and community support.
• Appointed to the bench by Judge Chad Sims in 2019.
• He also held the role of a reserve deputy in the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office and worked as an outside sales manager at Action Towing in East Texas.
• Before becoming a judge, Oswalt had a long career in Harrison County Emergency Services District No. 3 as a captain and firefighter, a role he has held for more than 35 years.
• Justice of the Peace (JP) Precinct 1 in Harrison County, Texas, a court with jurisdiction over civil matters under $200, certain misdemeanors punishable by fine only, forcible entry and detainer (eviction) cases, and other matters within the scope of Texas Justice Court law.
• Oswalt has been active in the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce and the Marshall Elks Lodge.
• Local leaders describe him as someone “always there when others need help” and “in his blood to be a servant”.