James R. Sugg
(1931-2018)
Education
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Wake Forest University (J.D., 1959)
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High Point College (A.D., 1952)
Biography
Jim Sugg served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956. During his active duty enlistment, Jim was deployed to Korea in the final stages of the Korean War. In addition, Jim served in the reserves of the United States Marines for several years following his active duty status.
Upon returning to North Carolina and completing law school at Wake Forest University, Jim moved back to eastern North Carolina and began the practice of law. However, it was not long after settling down in New Bern that Jim ran for and was elected to serve as an area Representative in the North Carolina House of Representatives. In addition, several years following his term as an elected state official, Jim again answered the call of the Democratic Party and stepped in to serve as State Chairman of the North Carolina Democratic Party for tenure from 1972 until 1976.
Jim Sugg served as county attorney to one or more eastern North Carolina counties for a record thirty-eight (38) consecutive years. Jim was first appointed as Craven County Attorney in December of 1969 and was reappointed annually to serve continuously until December of 1994. Jim was reappointed in December of 1998 and served an additional 9 years, until he withdrew his name from consideration in December of 2007, after having served as Craven County attorney for a total of thirty-five (35) years. Prior to stepping down, Jim Sugg was the then longest serving County Attorney in North Carolina. Jim was an early founder and past president of the North Carolina Association of County Attorneys.
In recognition of his service to the State of North Carolina, Jim Sugg was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Mike Easley in 2008. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most prestigious awards presented by the Governor of North Carolina. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state. Contributions to their communities, extra effort in their careers, and many years of service to their organizations are some of the guidelines by which recipients are selected for this award. For many years Jim was a great resource to his fellow colleagues offering the kind of knowledge and experience that can only come from many years of service in the profession.