“Four things belong to a judge: to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly, and to decide impartially.” – Socrates
James H. Faison III District Court Judge Sixth Judicial District New Hanover and Pender Counties
The Honorable James H. Faison, III, has proudly served New Hanover and Pender Counties as a District Court Judge for over 25 years. Judge Faison eagerly desires to continue his unique, steady, and principled leadership which balances experience, integrity, and fairness. For many years, from the pulpit to the bench and throughout our region, Faison has faithfully served the youth and families in New Hanover and Pender Counties and throughout the surrounding communities. He has been a compassionate pastor, judge, community leader, motivational speaker, mentor, and volunteer at many community events, including reading programs, school career fairs, and youth-oriented events, for many years. In his judicial role, Judge Faison is best known known as a judge who is fair, but firm when necessary and a humble, approachable, and passionate public servant, who loves God and loves people.
His Beginnings
Born in New Hanover County and raised in Pender County, James H. Faison, III proudly calls both communities his home. His journey began in the colored ward of historic James Walker Hospital in Wilmington, NC in 1962. He is the son of lifelong public servants and educators whose careers collectively included Williston Senior High School, Pender County Training School, West Pender Elementary School, Hoggard High School, Cape Fear Technical Institute (now known as Cape Fear Community College), Burgaw High School, Pender High School, and D. C. Virgo Junior High School (now known as D. C. Virgo Preparatory Academy. Deacon Faison also served as the New Hanover County Director of Vocational Education for almost a decade, Pender County Democratic Party Chair for eight years, and as a Pender County Commissioner. His parents, the late Deacon James H. Faison, Jr., and the late Deaconess Mary R. Faison, instilled in Faison the values of love for God, family, and country and education and public service.
Faison attended the Williston Senior High School Pre-School until its closure in 1968. His youthful Sundays were spent in Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Rocky Point, NC attending Sunday School and regular Sunday Services, singing in the Youth Choir, serving as a Junior Deacon, delivering Holy Communion to the sick and shut in with his father, Chairman of the Deacon Ministry along with the deacons and Pastor John D. Morrisey. Faison is a born-again Christian and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of fourteen. At an early age, Faison became very active and participated in area churches, the Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association, and in community activities.
He was also a very active member of the 4-H Club. Faison thanks God for public servants like 4-H counselors and other surrogate parents who provided a rich environment for youngsters like him to gain a myriad of valuable life lessons. He fondly remembers his 4-H Club poultry raising project which reinforced learning techniques and responsibility for raising chickens and the 4-H Club speech competitions where he developed oratory skills and learned how to speak before public audiences with confidence. Faison was one of the original members of the Friendship Community Boy Scouts. Unfortunately, the Boy Scouts organization ended prematurely due to cost prohibitive requirements for their club at that time.
From fishing on Topsail and Wrightsville Beaches, and in a local creek waters, to learning mule and plow farming techniques, to harvesting Lewis Farm vegetables, to cropping Deacon Walter Seymour Bright’s tobacco, to flipping hamburgers at Wilmington’s 3rd Street Burger King, to playing backyard neighborhood and organized sports, Faison learned the values of integrity, hard work, dedication, patience, and teamwork. These values were instilled in him by his family, church, and community, laying the foundation for leadership and a balanced temperament for judicial service.
As a young teen, Faison was also deeply involved in school leadership roles, athletics, and community programs such as JROTC battalion commander, drill team commander, football quarterback and safety, football and track team co-captain, student government president, and senior class president. Following high school graduation, Faison matriculated to North Carolina Central University on a football scholarship and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.
Faison earned his Juris Doctor Degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law, where he participated on the Moot Court team and Trial Advocacy team and was selected as a Who’s Who among American Law school students.
Faison is married to Angela W. Faison, the love of his life, who is also an ordained minister. Their over 36-year union has produced a partnership of love that has poured into and overflowed in ministry, community service, and philanthropy. Faison affectionately calls Angela, his “Angel with an A.”
As he reflects on their graduating the same year from Pender High School to their blessed lives together as husband and wife, Faison notes that as a Pender High School cheerleader, Angela cheered for him as he played on the field and she continues to be his greatest cheerleader in marriage, in ministry, and in life.
James and Angela have one daughter, Christa, who is married to Lawrence Calvin, Jr. Christa is also a licensed minister. Christa, Lawrence, and his beautiful daughter reside in Wake County, North Carolina.
In every role carried: husband, father, pastor, mentor, community leader, friend, and judge; Faison gives thanks to God for the calling to lift people up, whether from the pulpit, the bench, or in the heart of the community. He looks forward to continuing a legacy of service for the citizens of New Hanover and Pender counties as District Court Judge.
His Ministry from the Pulpit
“If will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” – Jeremiah 3:15
Since 1998, Pastor Faison has served as pastor of Byrd’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Rose Hill, North Carolina. His legacy as pastor can be described as filled with love, compassion, and spiritual growth. He is a pastor’s pastor, a leader’s leader, a teacher’s teacher, and a servant’s servant. To God be all the glory, honor, and praise for ordering Pastor Faison’s steps and anointing him not only as a leader, but also a follower of Christ to live a life that allows others to witness the light and character of Christ through him.
Youth Advocate
For his entire adult life, Faison has worked tirelessly to impart in the youth and families throughout New Hanover and Pender Counties everything that his family, church, schools, and community invested in him. Faison’s commitment to building families and the youth is paramount to his vision as a pastor and a judge. Faison’s favorite scriptures for training the youth are:
~Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thine paths. Proverbs 35:5-6
~Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Judge Faison also believes in the old African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” His motto for serving children is, “Exposure creates options, options determine choices, and choices determine success.” ~ Dr. John Cherry, Jr.
The following activities help to exemplify some of Judge Faison’s efforts to advocate for the youth and to promote excellence in youth character:
Pastor's Eagle Club
Pastor Faison established the Pastor’s Eagle Club as a ministry to promote and reward youth excellence. Pastor Faison recognizes and rewards youth for reciting scriptures, learning books of the Bible, presenting their talents, making good grades, practicing good sportsmanship, and for exhibiting excellent Christian character in the home, church, school, and community.
KEMBA Youth Council
And KEMBA Youth Council Director
Pastor Faison has been an active member of KEMBA (Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association) since he was a child and supported many KEMBA milestone events. He has been a member of the KEMBA Youth Council since its inception and served as the Youth Council Director for approximately 20 years. During his tenure as Youth Council Director, thousands of young people and adults attended the KEMBA Youth and Family Empowerment Conferences which occurred annually, and many accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Led by the Holy Spirit and under Pastor Faison’s leadership, the faithful KEMBA Youth Council team comprised of youth leaders from 48 member churches, provided youth and families the opportunity to learn more about having an intimate relationship with God in a more relevant way and making positive decisions for their lives. During these conferences, families received powerful life changing messages, teens participated in group questions and answers sessions, the your were exposured to renowned entertainers, professional athletes, and a retired US Ambassador. Fun-filled athletic events, including a basketball tournament, and jump rope competitions, were some of the healthy activities the youth enjoyed. The Conferences also provided instruction on spiritual, family, and health matters, drug use and abuse prevention, and other issues relevant to the day.
Another event Faison spearheaded was the annual College and Career Fair featuring university chancellors as guest speakers. Other Youth Council annual events included School Supply Give-Away, Youth March for Christ and the Youth Talent Showcase, giving the youth the opportunity to express their gifts and talents in a Christ-centered environment. Many young people accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at these events as well.
Anti-Bully Resolution Author
Having an eye and heart for issues that trouble our youth, Judge Faison draws from situations that
he experiences in his position as a pastor and judge to help address some of the issues he witnesses
from the bench and from his experiences in the community. He authored anti-bully resolutions that were adopted by Pender, New Hanover, and Dupin County Commissioners and Boards of Education, as well as the City of Wilmington City Council.
Teen Court and High School Moot
Court Mentor and Volunteer
Judge Faison also serves as a presiding judge volunteer for the Pender County Teen Court program
and has participated as a judge in high school moot trial competitions. Along with other Teen Court
advisors, his mentoring assists students with learning about the repercussions of poor behaviour through an abridged, yet real life court room experience. Over the years, hundreds of juveniles have
avoided the dark cloud of a permanent criminal records as a result of their participation in the Teen Court Program.
Judge Faison recently spent an entire day at Topsail High School teaching four 90-minute Public Safety and Law and Justice classes about how to become a judge, the judicial system, and case problem solving by applying the law to case scenarios. The class was such a success, Judge Faison is formulating plans to conduct classes like these as youth law clinics throughout the year all over New Hanover and Pender Counties.
Paving A Way to Success
Through Scholarship Creation and Support
Judge Faison and his wife Angela have supported and promoted programs that focus on
providing opportunities for students to gain access to higher education. For years, they have
contributed funding to the Pender-Topsail Post & Voice weekly newspaper’s Education Station.
They have also established and financially supported a athletic and educational scholarships that
offer tuition support for students, including, but not
limited to:
- New Hanover County NAACP – Dr. Bertha Todd Educational Scholarship (founded)
- Mary Alice Jervay Thatch Educational Scholarship (founded)
- Pender County NAACP – James H. Faison, Jr., & Mary R. Faison Educational Scholarship (founded)
- Pender County NAACP – Geraldine Gore Woodard Educational Scholarship (founded)
- Pender County NAACP – Claudia Stack Educational Scholarship (founded)
- Willard Outreach Community Organization Educational Scholarship (In Memory Geraldine Gore Woodard and Nellie Fields) (founded)
- Pender County 1865 Society James H. Faison, Jr., and Mary R. Faison Educational Scholarship (founded)
- Pender County 1865 Society Geraldine Gore Woodard Educational Scholarship (founded)
- Pender County 1865 Society Claudia Stack Educational Scholarship (founded)
- James H. Faison, Jr., Educational Scholarship Award, (founded by the Mayor’s Blue-Ribbon Commission (Now VOYAGE)), supporter
- Pender High School James H. Faison, III Male Athlete of the Year Scholarship (founded by Pender High School), supporter
- Historic Wilmington Foundation Scholarship, visionary and supporter
- All Men’s March Christian Scholarship, supporter
- Missionary Annie L. Matthews and Rev. Alfred Holston Scholarship, supporter
- Coach Hank Lattimore Foundation Athletic Scholarship, (NCCU), supporter
- University of North Carolina Wilmington, supporter
- North Carolina Central University, supporter
- North Carolina Agricultural &Technical State University, supporter
- Shaw University, supporter
- Winston Salem State University, supporter
- Cape Fear Community College, supporter
- Williston Alumni Association Scholarship, supporter
- Power Packed Leadership Organization Scholarship, supporter
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarship, supporter
- Delta Sigma Theta Scholarship, supporter
Community Service
Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association Ministers' and Deacons' Union Instructor
Pastor Faison is often requested by leadership to serve as an instructor for KEMBA Ministers’ and Deacon’s Union. He teaches biblical leadership principles to other pastor’s, ministers, and congregations. Pastor Faison is often sought after by pastors, deacons, ministers, and others for advice, insight into church polity, and conflict resolution.
Lower Sampson Missionary Union,
District VI Group 1, Counselor
Pastor Faison has served as the Counselor of the Lower Sampson Missionary Union (LSMU), District VI Group 1 for over 20 years. Under his leadership annual missionary programs include, but are not limited to supporting orphanage support services, African well digging projects, senior citizen support, hurricane and other disaster relief, and giveaways such as school supplies, blanket, clothes, food drives, teddy bear, baby supplies, etc.
Boards and Community Service
Coupled with his unwavering commitment and a strong sense of purpose, Judge Faison remains an influential figure in his hometown, region, and the state, enriching the lives of those he touches. Faison currently serves or has served on the following boards and committees:
- Director, Youth Council, Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association, Retired in 2024, (20 +/- yrs.)
- Counselor, Lower Sampson Missionary Union District 6, Group 1 (20 + years)(Current)
- VOYAGE, (Formerly Blue Ribbon Commission on the Prevention of Youth Violence (one of the Founding Members), (14 years +)(Current)
- President, Legal Services aka Legal Aid of North Carolina Advisory Council, Current (over 20 yrs)
- Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern North Carolina, Board of Directors, Board Member (Current over 30 years)
- District Court Judges Board of Governance, (Current, over three years)
- UNCW Razor Walker Recipient and Selection Committee, Board Member (Former)
- Hope Abounds, Inc. (Serving Cancer Patients), Board Member (Former)
- NC Judicial Standards Commission, Board Member (Former)
- Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, Board Member(Former)
- Street Safe Teen Driving Program, Instructor (Former)
Judge Faison also formerly served on the following boards, (including but not limited to): Community Justice Center, Alternative Dispute Resolution Center, Good Shepherd Center, Charter Day School, Inc., Family & Neighborhoods Institute of NC, Inc., NC State Driving While Impaired Task Force, Chair, Burgaw Rotary Club Member, BarCARES, Baptist Hospital Counseling Center, Lower Cape Fear Hospice, Yahweh Center, Nir Family YMCA, Historic Wilmington Foundation (Introduced Youth Scholarship and Oratorical Contest Initiatives), God’s Comprehensive Outreach Coalition, and Thalian Hall Board of Directors
Advocacy For Justice
Advocacy For Veterans
While working as a staff attorney with Legal Services of the Lower Cape Fear (now Legal Aid of North Carolina-Wilmington) Faison specialized in public benefits litigation representing indigent clients and veterans before the Veterans Administration and the United States Court of Appeals for Veteran’s Claims, in a seven-county area for over three years.
North Carolina Justice Fellowship Task Force
While employed as a Legal Services attorney, Faison served on the Justice Fellowship Task Force, a policy reform division of Prison Fellowship Ministries, founded by Charles “Chuck” W. Colson, President Richard Nixon’s former Chief of Staff. Faison and other members were chosen specifically because of their Christian world view and a common interest in improving the state’s criminal justice system. The Justice Fellowship Task Force created “The Plan for Restorative Justice” which was submitted to the North Carolina Sentencing Commission consisting of 36 policy recommendations to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and equity in the North Carolina criminal justice system. Those recommendations were used to help formulate the current Structured Sentencing Act codified in the North Carolina sentencing laws and implemented throughout the state of North Carolina. One of the highlights of his career was experiencing the codification of portions of the Plan For Restorative Justice during his tenure as an assistant district attorney and as a district court judge.
Cape Fear Community College Adjunct Instructor
Also, while employed as a Legal Services attorney, Faison served as an adjunct instructor at Cape Fear Community College teaching Legal Systems to students pursuing their paralegal degrees.
Assistant District Attorney
After serving approximately three years as a Legal Services attorney, Faison became an assistant district attorney for New Hanover and Pender Counties for over seven years (1992-2000). His appointment was featured in the Wilmington Star News newspaper. Faison was awarded an Outstanding Service Award from the District Attorney’s office in 2000.
His Ministry From The Bench
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. Micah 6:8
North Carolina District Court Judge
The late Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., appointed Faison to serve as a District Court Judge for the Fifth (now Sixth) Judicial District (New Hanover and Pender Counties), establishing Judge Faison as the first African American male in the district to become a District Court Judge in the history of the Judicial District, since Reconstruction. By the grace of God, Judge Faison has been re-elected by the people of New Hanover and Pender Counties unopposed for six successive terms and he is currently approaching his 26th year as a District Court Judge.
In addition to his many judicial duties, Judge Faison leads a team of dedicated professionals in the Community Recovery Court (aka Drug Treatment Court), working with individuals who are struggling with controlled substance misuse and who have become criminal justice involved as a result. His unique temperament, coupled with his excellent jurisprudence, makes Judge Faison keenly prepared to preside over the Community Recovery Court (CRC). Judge Faison considers it an honor to have served as the Drug Court Judge for approximately 24 years, which makes him one of the longest serving treatment court judges in NC. Judge Faison is often described as fair, but firm.
The Drug Treatment Court program offers opportunities to individuals who are addicted to illegal substances and who are facing imprisonment to avoid long-term incarceration, achieve sobriety, reunite with their families, and become productive law-abiding members of society. As a result, precious lives are saved, personal relationships are restored, possibilities are realized, communities are safer, and taxpayer dollars are saved.
During the Drug Treatment Court graduation sessions, Judge Faison leads the graduation ceremony by encouraging the Treatment Court team members to sharing affirming words to the graduates. This is done to mark the successful sobriety achievements of the Drug Treatment Court clients. It instills a sense of pride and accomplishment for those who complete the program. It is a very common occurrence for Judge Faison to encounter former recovery court clients who thank him for his work and commitment to helping them save and rebuild their lives.
North Carolina State
Judicially Managed Accountability
Recovery Court Advisory Committee (JMARC)
In 2023, Judge Faison was re-appointed by North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) director, Ryan Boyce with approval of North Carolina Chief Supreme Court Justice Paul Newby to continue serving as Chair of the Judicial Managed Accountability and Recovery Courts Advisory Committee (JMARC). Faison was initially appointed to that position by AOC Director Judge John Smith in 2008. This committee oversees and offers advice regarding the operation of all North Carolina Treatment Courts to ensure compliance with minimum standards and best practices to help achieve a reduction in recidivism while helping individuals achieve a drug free lifestyle.
North Carolina State Judicial Standards Commission
Appointed by the former Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court Mark Martin to serve as a member of the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission (JSC), Judge Faison served from 2018 until 2024. The JSC reviews and makes recommendations regarding complaints filed against judges and justices of the district court, superior court, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, and Commissioner of the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative
Appointed by the former Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court Mark Martin to serve as a member of the Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative (RJOI). The RJOI was a working group of regional state court officials that was created to develop multi-state solutions and best practices for addressing the nationwide opioid addiction crisis.
President, North Carolina Association of District Court Judges
One of the proudest moments of his judicial career was being elected to serve as the 2024-25 president of the North Carolina Association of District Court Judges, which is comprised of 289 District Court Judges. Judge Faison believes in involving the youth in every level of community activities and teaching and training our children patriotism. A crowning moment of his presidency occurred, when, in response to his invitation, the Pender High School JROTC Color Guard (his high school alma mater) presented the United States and State of North Carolina flags and the Trask Middle School eighth grade chorus performed the National Anthem at the opening ceremony of the Fall Conference of the North Carolina Association of District Court Judges held in October 2025 in Wilmington, NC.
North Carolina DWI Task Force
Judge Faison was appointed by Governor Pat McCrory to chair the NC DWI Task Force (2014-2017) leading the team to combat impaired driving in NC. The Task Force was created to review and recommend improvements to the State’s DWI laws and system.
Honors and Awards
Over the years, Judge Faison has exemplified his love for humanity by generously donating his time, talent, and making opportunities available for young people and families to thrive. He has been cited for several honors and awards over the years and received recognition for his inspiring, and uplifting advocacy and service to the youth and region. Some of those honors, awards, and recognition include, but are not limited to:
- Award of Appreciation, 100 Black Men of Coastal NC, 2026
- Lifetime Achievement Award, SE NC Black Leadership Caucus, 2026
- District Attorney Service Above Self Rotary Club Award 2024
- Greater City of Wilmington Area Sports Hall of Fame 2024
- Pender High School Sports Hall of Fame Inductee 2022
- James H. Faison, III, Pender High School(PHS) Male Athlete of the Year Annual Award (named in his honor by PHS)
- Living Legend Award, City of Wilmington
- MLK Award, New Hanover Chapter of the Black Leadership Caucus
- Institute of Theologians, Fellow
- Razor Walker Award, UNCW
- NAACP Preacher of the Year Award
- Gentleman of the Lower Cape Fear Award (Inaugural award)
- Ebony Men of Excellence Award
- Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association (KEMBA) Service Awards
- Countywide CDC Humanities and Arts Committee Service Award
- OOPS (Offering Optimistic Plans for Success) Community Service Award
- Lower Sampson Missionary Union Service Award
- Nelson Mandela Award, World Changing Hearts Ministries
- Phillip Randolph Award, International Longshoremen’s Assoc. Local 1426
- Cape Fear Community Peace Award
- Man of the Year Award, New Hanover County Democratic Party, Precinct W-19
- YMCA Black Achiever’s Leadership Award
- Wilmington Jaycees Distinguished Service Award
- Community Service Award, Winston-Salem State University Alumni, Wilmington
Philanthropy
Over the years, Judge Faison has exemplified his love for humanity by generously sacrificially donating his time, talent, and funds to local, regional, state, national, and international charities and causes. His leadership, expertise, and financial support for organizations, big and small that supports youth, families, and underrepresented individuals is a testament to Judge Faison’s personal and professional qualities and priorities. There is no way to adequately measure the level of giving Judge Faison and Angela have sown into the local and surrounding communities, but they believe that giving back is the duty of every person, no matter how big or small or the amount.
The Honorable James H. Faison, III proudly served New Hanover and Pender Counties as a District Court Judge for over 25 years, and looks forward to continuing his steady, principled leadership-one that balances integrity, fairness, and discernment.
Born in New Hanover and raised by James H. Faison, Jr. and Mary R. Faison in Pender County, Reverend James H. Faison, III proudly calls both communities home. His journey began in the colored ward of Wilmington’s historic James Walker Hospital, the son of lifelong public servants and educators who instilled the values of faith, family, and service. Judge Faison faithfully committed his life to returning the values and morals instilled by his family through community outreach, leadership, and proactive judiciary service. His leadership, expertise, and financial support for local and regional organizations and the state of NC supports youth, families, and underrepresented individuals-a testament to Judge Faison’s personal and professional qualities.
His journey began in the colored ward of Wilmington’s historic James Walker Hospital, the son of lifelong public servants and educators who instilled the values of faith, family, and service. Judge Faison faithfully committed his life to returning the values and morals instilled by his family through community outreach, leadership, and proactive judiciary service. His leadership, expertise, and financial support for local and regional organizations and the state of NC supports youth, families, and underrepresented individuals-a testament to Judge Faison’s personal and professional qualities.
Judge James Faison is married to Reverand Angela W. Faison, the love of his life. They have one daughter, Christa who is married to Lawrence Colvin, Jr. They live in Wake County, NC with his beautiful daughter. In every role carried—husband, father, pastor, mentor, community leader, and judge—James H. Faison, III gives thanks to God for the calling to lift people up, whether from the bench, the pulpit, or the heart of the community, and looks forward to continuing a legacy of service for the citizens of New Hanover and Pender Counties as District Court Judge.
The Honorable James H. Faison, III proudly served New Hanover and Pender Counties as a District Court Judge for over 25 years, and looks forward to continuing his steady, principled leadership-one that balances integrity, fairness, and discernment.
Born in New Hanover and raised by James H. Faison, Jr. and Mary R. Faison in Pender County, Reverend James H. Faison, III proudly calls both communities home.
His journey began in the colored ward of Wilmington’s historic James Walker Hospital, the son of lifelong public servants and educators who instilled the values of faith, family, and service. Judge Faison faithfully committed his life to returning the values and morals instilled by his family through community outreach, leadership, and proactive judiciary service. His leadership, expertise, and financial support for local and regional organizations and the state of NC supports youth, families, and underrepresented individuals-a testament to Judge Faison’s personal and professional qualities.
Judge James Faison is married to Reverand Angela W. Faison, the love of his life. They have one daughter, Christa who is married to Lawrence Colvin, Jr. They live in Wake County, NC with his beautiful daughter. In every role carried—husband, father, pastor, mentor, community leader, and judge—James H. Faison, III gives thanks to God for the calling to lift people up, whether from the bench, the pulpit, or the heart of the community, and looks forward to continuing a legacy of service for the citizens of New Hanover and Pender Counties as District Court Judge.
Advocate For Justice and Community Servant
For twenty-five years, Judge Faison has fulfilled his judicial duties with honesty, integrity, and fairness, presiding over thousands of cases. He understands the impact of substance abuse and importance of family stability, applying NC law with care and consistency. As such, Judge Faison passionately supports local youth and helping individuals overcome the challenges that lead to justice involvement, including recidivism and drug dependency. His service includes:
North Carolina District Court Judge, Fifth Judicial District
Legal Services of the Lower Cape Fear, Staff Attorney representing indigent clients and veterans, 1989-1992
Justice Fellowship Task Force, Division of Prison Fellowship Ministries (Structured Sentencing Act)
Assistant District Attorney, New Hanover and Pender Counties, 1992-2000
NC DWI Task Force Chair, 2014
Judicial Managed Accountability and Recovery Courts Advisory Committee, 2023
North Carolina Association of District Court Judges President, 2024-2025
Legal Aid of North Carolina, Advisory Council President
Adjunct Legal Systems Instructor, Cape Fear Community College
Community Recovery Court Judge, 20 Years of Service
Pender County Teen Court, Mentor
Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative, Member
NC Judicial Standards Commission, 2018-2024
Advocate For Justice
For twenty-five years, Judge Faison has fulfilled his judicial duties with honesty, integrity, and fairness, presiding over thousands of cases. He understands the impact of substance abuse and importance of family stability, applying NC law with care and consistency. As such, Judge Faison passionately supports local youth and helping individuals overcome the challenges that lead to justice involvement, including recidivism and drug dependency. His service includes:
North Carolina District Court Judge, Fifth Judicial District
Legal Services of the Lower Cape Fear, Staff Attorney representing indigent clients and veterans, 1989-1992
Justice Fellowship Task Force, Division of Prison Fellowship Ministries (Structured Sentencing Act)
Assistant District Attorney, New Hanover and Pender Counties, 1992-2000
NC DWI Task Force Chair, 2014
Judicial Managed Accountability and Recovery Courts Advisory Committee, 2023
North Carolina Association of District Court Judges President, 2024-2025
Legal Aid of North Carolina, Advisory Council President
Adjunct Legal Systems Instructor, Cape Fear Community College
Community Recovery Court Judge, 20 Years of Service
Pender County Teen Court, Mentor
Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative, Member
NC Judicial Standards Commission, 2018-2024
Accolades
Judge James Faison was the first African American male to become a District Court Judge for the Fifth Judicial District and has received the following awards, representing unwavering integrity and dedication to the communities he serves:
District Attorney Service Above Self Rotary Club Award
City of Wilmington Area Sports Hall of Fame
Pender High School Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
James H. Faison, III, Pender High School Male Athlete of the Year Annual Award (Named in his honor by PHS)
City of Wilmington Living Legend Award
MLK Award, New Hanover Chapter of the Black Leadership Caucus
UNCW Razor Walker Award
NAACP Preacher of the Year Award
Gentleman of the Lower Cape Fear Inaugural Award
Ebony Men of Excellence Award
Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association (KEMBA) Service Award
Countywide CDC Humanities and Arts Committee Service Award
OOPS (Offering Optimistic Plans for Success) Community Service Award
Lower Sampson Missionary Union Service Award
Nelson Mandela Award, World Changing Hearts Ministries
- Phillip Randolph Award, International Longshoremen’s Assoc.
Cape Fear Community Peace Award
Man of the Year Award, New Hanover County Democratic Party
YMCA Black Achiever’s Leadership Award
Wilmington Jaycees Distinguished Service Award
Community Service Award, Winston-Salem State University Alumni
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Accolades
Judge James Faison was the first African American male to become a District Court Judge for the Fifth Judicial District and has received the following awards, representing unwavering integrity and dedication to the communities he serves:
District Attorney Service Above Self Rotary Club Award
City of Wilmington Area Sports Hall of Fame
Pender High School Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
James H. Faison, III, Pender High School Male Athlete of the Year Annual Award (Named in his honor by PHS)
City of Wilmington Living Legend Award
MLK Award, New Hanover Chapter of the Black Leadership Caucus
UNCW Razor Walker Award
NAACP Preacher of the Year Award
Gentleman of the Lower Cape Fear Inaugural Award
Ebony Men of Excellence Award
Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association (KEMBA) Service Award
Countywide CDC Humanities and Arts Committee Service Award
OOPS (Offering Optimistic Plans for Success) Community Service Award
Lower Sampson Missionary Union Service Award
Nelson Mandela Award, World Changing Hearts Ministries
- Phillip Randolph Award, International Longshoremen’s Assoc.
Cape Fear Community Peace Award
Man of the Year Award, New Hanover County Democratic Party
YMCA Black Achiever’s Leadership Award
Wilmington Jaycees Distinguished Service Award
Community Service Award, Winston-Salem State University Alumni
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Accolades
Judge James Faison was the first African American male to become a District Court Judge for the Fifth Judicial District and has received the following awards, representing unwavering integrity and dedication to the communities he serves:
District Attorney Service Above Self Rotary Club Award
City of Wilmington Area Sports Hall of Fame
Pender High School Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
James H. Faison, III, Pender High School Male Athlete of the Year Annual Award (Named in his honor by PHS)
City of Wilmington Living Legend Award
MLK Award, New Hanover Chapter of the Black Leadership Caucus
UNCW Razor Walker Award
NAACP Preacher of the Year Award
Gentleman of the Lower Cape Fear Inaugural Award
Ebony Men of Excellence Award
Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association (KEMBA) Service Award
Countywide CDC Humanities and Arts Committee Service Award
OOPS (Offering Optimistic Plans for Success) Community Service Award
Lower Sampson Missionary Union Service Award
Nelson Mandela Award, World Changing Hearts Ministries
- Phillip Randolph Award, International Longshoremen’s Assoc.
Cape Fear Community Peace Award
Man of the Year Award, New Hanover County Democratic Party
YMCA Black Achiever’s Leadership Award
Wilmington Jaycees Distinguished Service Award
Community Service Award, Winston-Salem State University Alumni
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Funding
Judge Faison and wife Angela founded and financially support numerous educational and athletic scholarships for underrepresented students including:
Dr. Bertha Todd Educational Scholarship, New Hanover NAACP
Mary Alice Jervay Thatch Educational Scholarship
James H. Faison, Jr. & Mary R. Faison Educational Scholarship, Pender NAACP
Geraldine Gore Woodard Educational Scholarship, Pender NAACP
Claudia Stack Educational Scholarship, Pender NAACP
Willard Outreach Community Organization Educational Scholarship, In memory of Geraldine Gore Woodard and Nellie Fields
1865 Society James H. Faison, Jr. and Mary R. Faison Educational Scholarship
1865 Society Geraldine Gore Woodard Educational Scholarship
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Judge Faison provides generous funding to:
James H. Faison, Jr. Educational Scholarship Award, Founded by the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on the Prevention of Youth Violence (Now VOYAGE)
Pender High School James H. Faison III Male Athlete of the Year Scholarship, Founded by Pender High School
All Men’s March Christian Scholarship
Missionary Annie L. Matthews and Rev. Alfred Holston Scholarship
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Judge Faison actively supports scholarship opportunities for the following organizations:
UNC-Wilmington Historic Wilmington,
NC A&T
Shaw University Delta Sigma Theta
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Cape Fear CC
Winston Salem Univ Williston Alumni
Hank Lattimore Foundation
Additional Board