Special to IFN

James Lee Mixson III recently announced his candidacy for re-election to the office of Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court, reaffirming his commitment to a fair, accessible and efficient Clerk’s Office that serves the people of Iredell County with integrity and professionalism.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Mixson has served as Clerk of Superior Court since 2012. In that capacity, he also fulfills the constitutionally significant role of Judge of Probate.

In his campaign announcement, Mixson touted his work overseeing the administration of justice across all divisions of the Clerk of Superior Court’s Office, protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals, and ensuring responsible stewardship of the public funds entrusted to the office.

“I am proud of the work we have accomplished in Iredell County, and I am honored to continue serving in a role that touches families at some of the most important moments of their lives,” Mixson, a Republican, said. “Our office received an effective rating—the highest rating available—on our most recent audit performed by the Administrative Office of the Courts. But the Clerk of Superior Court is not just an administrative position; it is a judicial office with real responsibilities and real impact.”

Leadership & Recognition

Mixson recently completed his term as president of the N.C. Conference of Clerks of Superior Court, serving from 2023 to 2025. In that role, he worked closely with the Administrative Office of the Courts, state agencies, and the N.C. General Assembly to address operational challenges, improve training, and strengthen the delivery of justice in North Carolina.

He previously served as the conference’s Training Committee chairman. In that role, he was honored by his fellow clerks with the Boots on the Ground Award for his innovations in delivering training to elected, assistant, and deputy clerks throughout the state. Mixson continues to serve the North Carolina Conference of Clerks of Superior Court as immediate past president and co-chair of the conference’s Legislative Committee.

Implementation of eCourts in Iredell County

Mixson also highlighted the successful implementation of the eCourts system in Iredell County—one of the most significant technological transformations in the history of the North Carolina Judicial Branch. The transition modernized case filing and management, improved public access to court records, and enhanced efficiency for court users, attorneys, and staff. eCourts now provides 24-hour access to court records, court dates, and the ability to pay traffic citations and other court-related costs seven days a week.

“Implementing eCourts required careful planning, extensive training, and steady leadership,” Mixson said. “Our office worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition while continuing to provide uninterrupted service to the public. I cannot say enough about the deputy and assistant clerks of court who made this implementation a success. They worked nights and weekends learning not just a new operating system, but an entirely new way of doing business, while still performing their daily duties.”

The Role of Judge of Probate

As Clerk of Superior Court, Mixson serves ex officio as Judge of Probate, exercising exclusive original jurisdiction over estates, guardianships, incompetency proceedings, adoptions, and other special proceedings that directly affect families, seniors, and vulnerable adults. 

The probate court often serves as the front line of protection for elderly and incapacitated adults. These proceedings require careful legal judgment, sensitivity to family dynamics, and constant vigilance to prevent abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Mixson said he has consistently emphasized accountability and transparency in guardianship cases, including close monitoring of annual accountings and compliance with court orders.

Clerks of Superior Court also preside over a wide range of other civil matters, including foreclosures, partitions of land, legitimation proceedings, and many others. 

Mixson said he is deeply committed to working collaboratively with the District Attorney’s Office, local law enforcement, adult protective services, and other partner agencies to identify, prevent, and respond to elder abuse and exploitation. Through communication, training, and coordinated case management, he has prioritized ensuring warning signs are recognized early and that appropriate legal action is taken when abuse or financial misconduct is suspected.

“Protecting vulnerable individuals is one of the most solemn responsibilities of the Clerk’s Office,” Mixson said. “Our seniors and incapacitated adults deserve both dignity and protection, and that requires strong partnerships and an unwavering commitment to justice.”

Looking Ahead

Mixson believes experience, judgment, and a deep understanding of the law are vital in this role, and he pledged to continue focusing on accountability, customer service, and the protection of children, seniors, and incapacitated adults who rely on the courts for protection.

“I respectfully ask for the continued trust and support of the voters of Iredell County,” he said.