Taney County Judge In Stable Condition After Suffering Brain Aneurysm:

Associate Circuit Court Judge James Justus (courtesy MO Sec. of State)

A judge in Taney County who has served the county for nearly 30 years is now in stable condition after suffering a brain aneurysm at home Saturday morning.

Judge James Justus, 59, served as prosecuting attorney and assistant prosecuting attorney before being elected to the bench as an associate circuit court judge in 2003.

Taney County Circuit Clerk Brenda Neal says Justus was first treated at Skaggs Hospital in Branson and then transferred to St. John's in Springfield where he underwent surgery and is now in the progressive care unit. Neal says additional surgery is expected.  "He's talking and shows no sign of a stroke, which we're all thankful for.  He's taking medication that will hopefully prevent a stroke."

Neal says she's spent most of the day on the phone with officials in Jefferson City trying to secure a substitute judge/or judges to assume Justus' dockets.  "I've gotten many calls from Judges asking how they can help out.  I think we'll be okay."

Justus' daughter, Senator Jolie Justus, said via Twitter, "He's hanging in there. Good sign - He told me to get back to Capitol to defend judicial payraises!"