J. Wallace Winborne

Who was J. Wallace Winborne?

John Wallace Winborne was an American jurist who served on the North Carolina Supreme Court from 1937–1962, including service as chief justice from 1956-1962.

Born in Chowan County, North Carolina, Winborne graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, moved to Marion, North Carolina around 1910, and joined the law firm of J. Will Pless. He became active in politics, serving as chairman of the North Carolina Democratic Party at one time. Winborne was also a mason and rose to become grand master of the state Masonic Lodge. He was appointed by Gov. Clyde R. Hoey to the state's highest court as an associate justice when the court's size was increased from five to seven justices in 1937. Gov. Luther Hodges appointed Winborne chief justice in 1956 after Chief Justice Barnhill retired.