Judge James Van Amburg
After his college education, James Van Amburg began his first full-time position with the Platte County Circuit Court as a juvenile probation officer in 1973.
And now, as he prepares to retire this month from his lifelong career, he has looked back on how his introduction into the legal system in ‘73 sparked his non-stop enthusiasm for the law, which has spanned 47 years.
He served as a part-time assistant prosecutor from 1987 to 1993. He was appointed as associate circuit judge in 1993 and served until 2013, when he was appointed Platte County Circuit Judge, Division II of the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, he and his family moved to Texas City, Texas when he was 6 years old and then to St. Louis when he was 14. After his high school graduation, he attended William Jewell College. He received his law degree in 1982 from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan.
His fascination with every detail of law led to his long and successful career.
“I had the opportunity to work with some outstanding lawyers and other outstanding professionals,” Van Amburg said. “Watching how the system worked motivated me to attend law school and become part of the profession.”
He didn’t have an overwhelming urge to retire, but the mandatory retirement age for judges is 70 in Missouri. Van Amburg is 69 and if he had chosen to be on the ballot and be retained, it would only have been for a term of nine and a half months.
However, he does plan to take senior judge status next year and will continue to help the court in Platte County, if needed. He also has some assigned cases in Jackson County and a case in Clay County, which he needs to finish.
While an excellent understanding of the law is vital for a good judge, Van Amburg says that it helps to be a good listener, while being very patient.
For anyone with ambitions of becoming an attorney or judge, his advice centers not only on learning, but also empathy.
“I would encourage someone to study and do well in all subjects, because parties and witnesses appear before you with different areas of expertise,” Van Amburg said. “It helps to have an understanding and appreciation for all people of different backgrounds.”
While one of the most challenging parts of his judgeship involves cases where children are the victims, cases where there is loss of life and serious injury are also difficult for Van Amburg.
“My most rewarding moments usually include: someone doing very well on probation; someone who has needed a guardian/conservator appointed and then, later, having their civil rights restored; and people stepping up to help someone who needs help,” Van Amburg said.
While he is looking forward to travelling to various parts of the United States during retirement, he will miss his job and the people he works with.
“I have been very fortunate to have worked with many excellent judges,” Van Amburg said “And there are well-qualified judges and attorneys to fill this position. I have enjoyed serving the county and state as an Associate Circuit Judge and as a Circuit Judge. My goal is, and was, to treat everyone fairly and respectfully. My goal was to listen and make timely rulings. My goal was to make those rulings based on the law and the facts of each case. That is what I hoped to provide to the community.”