J. P. Compretta

Joseph Patrick "J.P." Compretta (born March 17, 1945) is a Mississippi lawyer and Democratic politician. He is a former member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, representing the 122nd house district (part of Hancock County).Compretta was Speaker Pro Tempore of the House and Chairman of the Management Committee, also serving on the Judiciary, Marine Resources and Ways & Means committees.

Compretta was born March 17, 1945 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He attended Pearl River Junior College, the University of Southern Mississippi and the Mississippi College School of Law. He worked as a lawyer, and served as County Prosecutor, City Prosecutor and Assistant District Attorney before being elected to the House in 1975.

Compretta was first elected to the House in 1975. He served four terms (1976–1984). He was then elected again in 1987, and was re-elected until stepping down before the 2011 election. He was succeeded by fellow Democrat David Baria.

He is married to the former Kay Dorich; they live in Bay St. Louis. Their son, Joseph Jr., known as "Jody", was crushed by a Mardi Gras parade float in February 2008. Compretta is an Episcopalian.