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The Honorable James L. Phelps was elected Register of Wills on November 2, 2010 and sworn in on December 7, 2010. He is the 23rd Register to serve the citizens of Caroline County and he is the Clerk to the Orphans' Court.

Jim is a member of the Register of Wills Association of Maryland, where he serves on both the Probate Review and Nomination Committees. He serves on the Board of Directors for Idlewild Ruritan Club, of which he is a Charter Member. Previously for the Ruritans, he served two years as President, two years as Vice President, six years as Director, and eight years as Treasurer. He is a member of the Caroline County Chamber of Commerce. Since 1966 he has been a member of Grace Baptist Church, where in the past he has served as their Financial Secretary and is currently serving on their Board of Deacons. This year he has been instrumental in the formation of the Preston Historical Society. He is their Treasurer and serves on their Board of Directors.

Jim was born and raised in Caroline County. He graduated from Colonel Richardson High School in 1972. He has been married over 35 years to his wife, Jill. They have two children, Julie Phelps and Justin Phelps, and two grandsons, Aiden and Zakary. Jim's hobbies include spending time with his wife, children and grandsons, being an avid collector of antique John Deere tractors and memorabilia, and attending car shows with his 1969 Chevelle. Having lived in Caroline County his whole life, he also enjoys the outdoors, including hunting and fishing.

"I am so grateful that the citizens of Caroline County have given me the opportunity to serve them. I will continue to serve with an outstanding and caring office staff that listen to and handle their needs."