Before the courtroom. Before the bench. There was a young man from New Bern, North Carolina, determined to make his life count.
Justice Perry’s story spans the segregated South, military service, higher education, the practice of law, and a judicial career grounded in fairness and service. His path is a powerful reminder that circumstances do not have to define our possibilities.
He Who Takes Shortcuts In Life, Will Be Cut Short By Life.
— Justice James E. C. Perry (Ret.)
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The official BENCHMARKED memoir cover
THE MEMOIR
Some lives leave a mark. Others set the benchmark.
BENCHMARKED tells the story behind a historic judicial journey—and the principles that guided it.
Discover a personal account of resilience, racism, education, public service, community, and the law. The book invites readers to reflect on what it means to lead with character and leave a meaningful legacy.
Choose the print edition or explore the already-published, Justice Perry–narrated audiobook below.
READ IT. HEAR IT. SHARE THE LEGACY.
Experience BENCHMARKED your way.
Choose the print edition or the narrated audiobook. Purchase each edition through its separate secure Square checkout.
THE PRINT EDITION
Own the Story
Experience the remarkable journey of Justice James E. C. Perry—from the segregated South to service on Florida’s highest court—in a memoir about education, perseverance, justice, and community.
An enduring addition to a personal library and a meaningful gift for readers, educators, and those inspired by a life of public service.
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THE OFFICIAL AUDIOBOOK
Hear Justice Perry Tell His Story
18 chapters•5 hours, 12 minutes•Unabridged
Experience BENCHMARKED as Justice Perry shares his journey in his own voice. From the lessons of his early years to a distinguished judicial career, hear a story of resilience, leadership, and service.
Ideal for listening at home or on the go. Purchase the narrated edition separately from the printed book.
Listen to the free introduction below. Purchase the complete audiobook to receive instructions for listening access.
LISTEN BEFORE YOU DECIDE
Every Remarkable Journey Has a Beginning.
Discover the inspiring story behind BENCHMARKED with this complimentary audio introduction to Justice James E. C. Perry’s extraordinary journey from the segregated South to the Florida Supreme Court. Enjoy this free preview before purchasing the complete audiobook through our secure Square checkout.
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Listen to the IntroductionFree preview · 1 minute 20 seconds
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A LIFE IN SERVICE
Milestones of a lasting legacy.
From classrooms and courtrooms to community leadership, the milestones tell a story bigger than one person.
01
EDUCATION & SERVICE
A foundation for leadership
Graduated from Saint Augustine’s University and Columbia Law School; served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army.
02
2000–2009
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit
Served as a circuit judge, including service as Chief Judge, and helped advance the administration of justice in Florida.
03
2009–2016
Supreme Court of Florida
Appointed by Governor Charlie Crist and served as the 85th Justice of Florida’s highest court.
04
A CONTINUING LEGACY
Mentorship, community & storytelling
Continues a lifelong commitment to encouraging future generations through his story, public engagement, and BENCHMARKED.
A VISUAL JOURNEY
From roots to remarkable legacy.
Explore Justice Perry’s family heritage, military service, judicial career, public engagement, and continuing legacy through the photographs he has shared.
ROOTS & FAMILY
Where the story begins
Family history and generational connections form the beginning of this visual journey.
Historic family group photograph of Grandfather and Grandchildren with James E. C. Perry on Grandfather’s lapArchival portrait of Grandmother Lu JarmanArchival portrait of My MotherArchival portrait of My DadFamily portrait of Mom, siblings, and In-laws
SERVICE & EDUCATION
A commitment to serving
These archived images accompany Justice Perry’s story of education, perseverance, and service in the United States Army.
Justice Perry in military uniformArchival gathering during military service
THE BENCH
A career in justice
From the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit to the Supreme Court of Florida, service on the bench became a defining chapter.
Justice Perry presiding in a courtroomJustice Perry with loved ones at a judicial benchBuilding bearing the name Justice James E. C. Perry Annex in Seminole County, Florida
PUBLIC SERVICE & RECOGNITION
A voice in the community
Public appearances, civic engagement, and media coverage reflect a legacy extending beyond the courtroom.
Justice Perry addressing an audienceJustice Perry speaking at a Seminole County eventJustice Perry at a podium with news microphone2016 cover of The Florida Bar Journal featuring Justice Perry
FAMILY & LEGACY
The story continues
Personal moments and the publication of BENCHMARKED reflect the relationships and experiences that continue to shape his story.
Justice Perry with wife at a community gatheringJustice Perry with family at an event
Explore the photographs that capture the defining moments, personal connections, and lasting legacy of Justice James E. C. Perry. Select any image to view it in full.
SPEAKING & APPEARANCES
Wisdom earned. Stories worth sharing.
Invite Justice Perry to bring a distinctive perspective on leadership, justice, perseverance, education, and service to your audience.
Every generation has an opportunity to make a difference.
THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES
IN THE PRESS
Recognized by The Florida Bar.
Justice Perry featured on the cover of the September/October 2016 issue of The Florida Bar Journal, a fitting centerpiece for his official media archive.
BENCHMARKED is being explored for documentary and feature film adaptation, bringing Justice Perry’s extraordinary journey to new audiences.
CONNECT WITH THE LEGACY
Let’s start a meaningful conversation.
For speaking invitations, media interviews, book events, partnership opportunities, and film-development inquiries, contact Justice Perry’s public relations and marketing representative.