J. Max Kilpatrick

Johnnie Max Kilpatrick (January 24, 1945 – December 10, 2024) was an American judge and politician. He served as judge to the 6th district of the Mississippi Chancery Court from 2005 until his retirement in 2010. Previously, Kilpatrick was a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1972 until 1980.

Early life and education Kilpatrick was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi, on January 24, 1945, to Johnnie and Desma Kilpatrick. He had two siblings, Linda and Gerald.

Kilpatrick graduated from Philadelphia High School in 1963. He attended Mississippi State University, obtaining a bachelor of science in accounting. Kilpatrick later attended the University of Mississippi School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 1973. until 1980.

Local politics Upon graduation in 1973, Kilpatrick started law practice in Philadelphia, Mississippi. He served as the District Attorney of the Mississippi 8th Judicial District (Mississippi Circuit Courts) in 1980. Kilpatrick also served as Board Attorney of the Neshoba County Board of Supervisors for 17 years. as judge to the 6th district of the Mississippi Chancery Court by Governor Haley Barbour, taking office on July 1, 2005. He was reelected in November 2006, for a 4-year term. Kilpatrick was succeeded by D. Joseph Kilgore.

As a member of The Mississippi Bar from 1973, Kilpatrick continued law practice, serving as a referee to the Juvenile court of Kemper County until his retirement from the position in 2022. Kilpatrick's ruling was overturned unanimously in 2011.

Personal life and death Kilpatrick was married to Kathy House Kilpatrick and had three children, along with a step-child.

Kilpatrick died in Philadelphia, Mississippi, on December 10, 2024, at the age of 79.