RISON — Cleveland County Judge Jimmy Dale Adair died Friday night, Jan. 3, 2026, at the age of 68.
Adair had served as Cleveland County judge since his appointment in September 2025. He was selected to complete the unexpired term of former County Judge Jimmy Cummings, who died in August 2025. Adair’s appointment was set to run through Dec. 31, 2026.
During his time in office, Adair served as the county’s chief elected official, overseeing county operations and working with the Cleveland County Quorum Court on local government matters. He was a lifelong resident of Cleveland County and was widely known throughout the community for his involvement in public service.
With Adair’s passing, the office of Cleveland County judge is now vacant. The vacancy is expected to be addressed during the Cleveland County Quorum Court’s regular monthly meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, at the Hall-Morgan Veterans Building in Rison.
Funeral arrangements have been announced by the family. A full obituary appears on Saline River News.
