Mississippi 10th Circuit Court Judge Justin Cobb died while jogging on Saturday, his 43rd birthday.

His death was confirmed by Lauderdale County Coroner Clayton Cobler, who said Judge Cobb was pronounced dead between 11 and 11:30 a.m. in the emergency room at Rush Foundation Hospital.

“He was out jogging and some witnesses saw him fall over,” Cobler said. “They ran over to check him out and he had irregular breathing. By the time (an ambulance) arrived he had stopped breathing.”

A nurse at the scene, near 40th Street and Grandview Avenue in Meridian, attempted CPR before he was taken to the hospital, Cobler said.

Judge Cobb’s body was sent to Pearl for an autopsy at the State Crime Lab, Cobler said, but he suspected either a heart attack or pulmonary embolism.

Judge Cobb, 43, of Meridian, took office as 10th Circuit District Court Judge on June 30, 2015. Gov. Phil Bryant appointed him to replace Judge Robert Bailey, who retired after more than 27 years on the bench.

He was unopposed in the 2016 general election for a four-year term.

As a 10th Circuit District Court Judge, he presided over criminal and civil trials from Lauderdale, Clarke, Kemper and Wayne counties. He was one of two 10th Circuit judges, serving along with Judge Lester Williamson.

“It’s a real tragedy for the whole legal community,” Williamson said. “I really don’t know how much I can say… He was a joy to work with and he’s going to be missed.”

Williamson said that, if more than a year remained, Bryant could appoint a replacement for Judge Cobb but that hadn’t been determined yet.

“It’s a real tragic thing,” Williamson said.

Cobb worked closely with Donna Jill Johnson, the Lauderdale County Circuit Court Clerk.

“He was young and energetic, refreshing,” Johnson said. “He was a breath of fresh air and very by the book. He was consistent and fair and everyone respected that and loved that.”

Johnson said that Saturday had been Cobb’s 43 birthday.

“Yesterday, when I saw him, I gave him a hug because I told him I’m old and I might forget tomorrow,” Johnson said. “And I texted him at noon wishing him a happy birthday. I was so proud of myself for remembering and he didn’t respond… I was hoping he was out enjoying his birthday with his family.”

Among Judge Cobb’s survivors are his wife, Holli, and their two sons, Witten and Houston.

Municipal Court Judge Robbie Jones called Judge Cobb a personal friend he would miss.

“His family and my family were personal friends so I’ve worked with Justin throughout his career,” Jones said. “Judge Cobb was a young man of high character – very religious and determined to do the right thing.”

Jones oversees the initial hearings within the City of Meridian and those charged with a felony transfered into the 10th Circuit Court.

“He was always willing to accept the responsibility that came with the job,” Jones said.

Jones said he still practiced in addition to his duties as judge and had defended clients with Judge Cobb presiding.

“He was very serious about his job. He was young but he wanted to do his job correctly,” Jones said. “He’ll be greatly missed.”

Before he became a judge, he was in a private practice for 14 years as a partner in the Cobb Law Firm, P.A. of Meridian. He worked with his father, Leonard.

Judge Cobb, also, was elected as Lauderdale County Attorney in 2003, was re-elected in 2007 and 2011 and was unopposed for a fourth term in the 2015 elections. He is a graduate of Meridian High School, received his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University and his law degree from the University of Mississippi.

Judge Cobb has also served as both president and vice president of the Lauderdale County Bar Association and as president of the association’s Young Lawyers Division. He was a member of the Mississippi Bar Association and the Mississippi Prosecutors Association.