James Elliott Alderman (November 1, 1936[1] – June 10, 2021) served a six-year term as justice for the Florida Supreme Court from 1978 to 1985, retiring after a personal tragedy forced his return home to tend the family business.

[2] Alderman's term notably came about as one of the first appointed justices after an amendment abolished direct elections for vacancies.

[4] A sixth-generation Floridian, Alderman attended Fort Pierce High School and grew up working on the family ranch.

[2] The Aldermans raised cattle in St. Lucie county since 1830, well before Florida achieved statehood in 1845.

[6] A later constitutional amendment modified the provisions regarding term limits so that appointees face a retention election instead, which Alderman won.