James W. Van Amburg named circuit judge in Platte County

A Platte County associate circuit judge has been elevated to a circuit judgeship, creating another opening on the court.

Gov. Jay Nixon on Wednesday appointed Judge James W. Van Amburg as a circuit judge for the 6th Circuit in Platte County. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Abe Shafer earlier this year.

“During his 20 years on the bench, Judge Van Amburg has demonstrated he is a capable jurist,” Nixon said in a written statement. “I am pleased to elevate him to the position of Circuit Judge, and I am confident he will continue his outstanding record of serving the citizens of Platte County.”

Van Amburg has served as an associate judge since 1993. Prior to taking the bench, he had been an assistant Platte County prosecutor since 1987 and was in private practice since 1982. Before entering law school, he was a deputy juvenile officer in Platte County.

Van Amburg earned his law degree from Washburn University, his master’s degree in counseling and guidance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and his undergraduate degree from William Jewell College.

Van Amburg was one of three finalists that the 6th Circuit Judicial Commission nominated in July under the Nonpartisan Court Plan. Also applying were Associate Judge Thomas C. Fincham and attorney W. Ann Hansbrough.

Van Amburg’s selection creates yet another vacancy on the Platte County Circuit Court for the governor to fill. Also, the judicial commission will meet Oct. 2 to select finalists to replace Judge Owens Lee Hull Jr., who also is retiring this year.