Dec. 10, 2009
Twelve Judges to Retire at End of Year
With at least a combined 175 years of judicial experience, 12 Ohio judges will leave the bench around the New Year.
Judges either chose to retire early before their terms ended, could not run again due to age restrictions, decided against running for re-election in 2009 or were defeated in this year’s primary or general elections.
The list of retiring judges and their respective courts includes:
- Timothy M. Flanagan, Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court
- Janet A. Grubb, Franklin County Municipal Court
- Charles A. Johnston, Carroll County Municipal Court
- Peter J. Junkin, Bedford Municipal Court
- John R. Musson, Elyria Municipal Court
- Jeff Payton, Mansfield Municipal Court
- John J. Plough, Portage County Municipal Court – Kent
- Lynn H. Schaefer, Toledo Municipal Court
- Richard T. Schisler, Portsmouth Municipal Court
- Kevin C. Smith, Findlay Municipal Court
- Jon R. Spahr, Licking County Common Pleas Court, General Division
- Barbara R. Watson, Portage County Municipal Court – Ravenna
One of the soon-to-be retirees shared some of his memories on the bench. Judge Smith said he will retire after earning 35 years of service credit as a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, mediator, private attorney and Coast Guard Officer.
“I am proud of the work that has been done at Findlay Municipal Court,” he said. “We have strived to make the court more efficient and more accessible for the bar and the public. I will greatly miss the interaction with attorneys and the challenge of having a positive impact on the lives of litigants. Not a day has gone by without something interesting happening.”
Judge Smith’s “retirement” may not be all that restful, as he has plans to keep busy. “Although I am retiring from the bench, my hope is to work longer and harder than ever,” he said. “My immediate plans include assisting courts as a visiting judge as much as possible. I also hope to teach and write on legal issues.”
Judge Smith also thanked the Supreme Court for all the assistance that has been provided over the years.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow, 614.387.9250.