Circuit Court Judge, starting in 1966.
Practicing attorney in Midland for 35 years.
Midland resident since 1931, when he received his law degree from U of M.
Married to Helen Rood.
A World War II veteran from 1942-1945.
He was very active in the Michigan Republican Party. He was chair of the Midland County Republican Party in the 1940s and 1950s and was a delegate at the State Constitutional Convention for 1961-62.
He served as Midland County Prosecutor from 1953 to 1960 and became a judge of the 42nd Circuit Court in 1967.
Rood was one of the original incorporators of Big Brothers of Midland, where he served as president. He was involved in the community with many boards, clubs, and organizations.
From a Midland Daily News article upon Judge Rood’s retirement:
‘Judge Rood reflects on full life in law’ -Midland Daily News
Simplistic solutions don’t readily flow from the lips of Circuit Court Judge James R. Rood.
Rood has been too far and seen too much from his bench to preach the generalities.
Rood is keenly aware that his authority can send persons to prison or take a child from parents at the stroke of his pen. You would have to be very insensitive if it didn’t bother you that you had to send someone to prison. I suppose it’s a possibility that a judge might become insensitive to it. But if he does, he shouldn’t be a judge,” Rood said.
Rood has seen the community grow from the dark Depression days. He says it is a unique place to live, pointing to philanthropic funds generated from the growth of Dow Chemical Company.
Rood said public service has been rewarding, partly because of the community’s willingness to become involved.
Rood passed away on May 4, 1986, at 80 years old.