Dr. J. Walt Starr was appointed to the Board by Governor Phil Bryant in May 2015 to represent the Third (Northern) Supreme Court District for a term to expire May 7, 2024.

Dr. Starr is a native of Starkville and graduated from Mississippi State University in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, from University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry in 1984 and completed a periodontal residency from the University of Alabama Birmingham in 1988.

Dr. Starr practiced general dentistry from 1984 - 86 in Starkville and Macon at which point he entered his residency for periodontics from 1986-1988. He has practiced periodontics in Columbus and Starkville since 1988 and has served the dental community for the past 29 years. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Mississippi Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology, American College of Dentists, past president of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, past president of the Columbus Dental Society, past president of the District 1 Dental Society, past member of the Mississippi Dental Association Board of Trustees and volunteers his services for the Donated Dental Services (DDS). Dr. Starr was appointed to the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners by Governor Haley Barbour and served from 2004 - 2010.

Dr. Starr is actively involved in the community. He is a past president of Columbus Rotary Club, past president of Columbus GirlChoir and past member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church Vestry. He also served on the Mississippi State University Development Foundation Board for three terms.

Dr. Starr and his wife, Lee Ann, have two daughters, Breland and Georgia Grace. He is an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Columbus.