James E. Alderman

James Elliott Alderman (November 1, 1936 – June 10, 2021) served a six-year term as justice for the Florida Supreme Court from 1978 to 1985, retiring after a personal tragedy forced his return home to tend the family business. Alderman's term notably came about as one of the first appointed justices after an amendment abolished direct elections for vacancies. He died in Vero Beach, Florida, on June 10, 2021.

Early life and education A sixth-generation Floridian, Alderman attended Fort Pierce High School and grew up working on the family ranch.

Alderman was one of the first justices appointed by the Governor under the new constitutional amendment that ended the direct election of supreme court justices to six-year terms. A later constitutional amendment modified the provisions regarding term limits so that appointees face a retention election instead, which Alderman won.