'A legend': Retired Judge James Hankinson dies. He presided over city's biggest trials.

James Hankinson, a gifted former prosecutor who became a titan on the bench presiding over some of Tallahassee’s most notorious murder cases, died Thursday after a battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 70.

Hankinson, an Ocala native who moved to Tallahassee in the 1970s to attend law school at Florida State University, served as a state and federal prosecutor for two decades before then-Gov. Jeb Bush tapped him to serve as a circuit judge in 2002.

He went on to win election in 2004 and re-election in 2010 and 2016, all without drawing a single opponent. He opted to retire in 2020, well before reaching mandatory retirement age.

Hankinson oversaw the trials of serial killer Gary Michael Hilton, who brutally murdered Tallahassee nurse Cheryl Dunlap; Denise Williams, who took part in a plot to kill her husband, Mike Williams; Sigfredo Garcia, one of two hit men who killed Florida State University law professor Dan Markel; and Henry Segura, who killed Brandi Peters and her three young children.

Charles Dodson, a retired circuit judge who was close to Hankinson, said he had a “great judicial demeanor” who remained even-keeled in high-pressure trials.

“He grew up as a prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s  Office, and he was tough,” said Dodson. “But he would be fair, and he would listen, and he would try to make the right decision."

Dodson called Hankinson a walking “encyclopedia of criminal law” and an expert on death penalty cases whom fellow judges could turn to with legal questions.

“If you were having trouble with a criminal issue, you could come talk to Jimmy and he would tell you about a case or two that you needed to take a look at that would probably be helpful to you,” Dodson said. “I just can’t tell you what a legend he was there.”

The 2nd Judicial Circuit issued a statement saying it was deeply saddened by the death of “our cherished friend and former colleague.” The court said Hankinson continued to work as a senior judge after his retirement and that “he gave back through his charity work in the community.”

“Judge Hankinson was known as a firm but fair judge, and anyone who knew him knew he had a heart as big as the outdoors he loved so much,” said Chief Circuit Judge Frank Allman. “The 2nd Judicial Circuit extends their heartfelt condolences to Judge Hankinson’s family and friends.”

U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle, named to the federal bench in 1996, called Hankinson “a fabulous trial lawyer and just a great human being.”

“I think the first criminal case I ever presided over, he was the prosecutor,” Hinkle said. “And he was just excellent. He was just a very good person who had such a good connection with people and a really great connection with jurors.”

Hinkle said he was sure Hankinson would make a capable state court judge after his appointment was announced.

“You know, kind of selfishly, on a personal note, I knew I was going to miss him,” Hinkle said. “It’s always better for the judge to have really good lawyers on both sides of the case. The government was always well-represented when he was there.”

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Hankinson graduated from Davidson College before earning his law degree at FSU. He served as a state prosecutor in Pensacola and later Tallahassee from 1979 to 1991 before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where he remained until he joined the bench. In the last years of his tenure as a federal prosecutor, he served as chief assistant U.S. attorney.

Dodson said Hankinson enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family on their farm in Sycamore. He is survived by his wife, Allison; a son, Clay Hankinson; two daughters, Marnie Watson and Jenny Slocum; and seven grandchildren.

Charles Ehrhardt, a long-serving FSU law professor renowned for his treatise, “Florida Evidence,” got to know Hankinson decades ago when he was a student in his classroom. Watching him later as a judge, he agreed “almost all the time” with Hankinson's rulings.

“He was smart, knew the law ― but he was level-headed," Ehrhardt said. "He did an excellent job of presiding over very difficult trials with the whole world watching. And I think that came from his experience as a trial lawyer. He was a fine judge, a good family man, and I’m pleased he was my friend."

Courthouse officials mourn Hankinson's death

State Attorney Jack Campbell: "Judge Hankinson was a true public servant throughout his life. As a state prosecutor, he handled some of the most terrible cases in our community’s history. Later, he went to the to the U.S. Attorney's Office and became first assistant, after prosecuting some of the largest narcotics cases in the world. Finally, he took his place as a trial judge and served as a mentor to countless attorneys. He was a consummate professional, who got the best from all of us. However, his favorite role was husband, father and grandfather. We appreciate his family sharing his precious time with us and hope that we can serve with the dedication he demonstrated."

Public Defender Jessica Yeary: "Judge Hankinson's passing is a loss to our entire legal community. He dedicated his career to public service and our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends."

Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com and follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: James Hankinson, retired Tallahassee circuit judge, dies at 70