Gilstrap, James Rodney Born 1957 in Pensacola, FL Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas Nominated by Barack Obama on May 19, 2011, to a seat vacated by Thad Heartfield. Confirmed by the Senate on December 5, 2011, and received commission on December 6, 2011. Education: Baylor University, B.A., 1978 Baylor University School of Law, J.D., 1981 Professional Career: Private practice, Marshall, Texas, 1981-2011 Judge, Harrison County [Texas] Court, 1989-2002