Senior judge Ray honored for service

Senior Judge John W. Ray was the recipient of a proclamation Tuesday from the Nevada Supreme Court signed by Chief Justice Ron D. Parraguirre and all six Associate Justices.

Mayor Robert L. Crowell and Justice of the Peace Judge John Tatro presented Senior Judge John W. Ray with the proclamation in his home with his wife Geniel Ray by his side.

The proclamation read:

“WHEREAS, John W. Ray began his career with the First Judicial District Court — Juvenile Court in January of 1976 to November of 1983 as the Juvenile Special Master. Juveniles who were sentenced by him and who are now adults speak fondly of him and express how his empathy balanced with firmness made a positive difference in their lives.

WHEREAS, John W. Ray was appointed to the Carson City Justice/Municipal Court as Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court Judge on November 17, 1983 to December 30, 1988. In this position, he served the community and represented the court with honor and distinction. He was a great mentor to many young attorneys and aspiring judges.

WHEREAS, John W. Ray retired as the Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court Judge on December 30, 1988. He began working as a Senior Justice Court Judge in 1989 and continued into the new millennium. As a Senior Justice Court Judge he continued to share his wisdom from the bench and ruled with fairness and impartiality.

WHEREAS, John W. Ray’s service over the past four decades to the judiciary will forever be appreciated and never forgotten.”

“Senior Judge Ray was a mentor to me and has been an inspiration throughout my career,” said Judge John Tatro.

Mayor Crowell has known Senior Judge Ray for many years.

“I practiced as a lawyer before Senior Judge Ray. I found him to be incredibly fair, impartial, and a judge who applied common sense to the law in every case,” Crowell said.

Justice of the Peace, Judge Tom Armstrong and Judge James E. Wilson Jr. also weighed in.

“I also had the privilege of practicing law before Senior Judge Ray,” Armstrong said. “He was always extremely tough, but fair, and ruled with wisdom.”

“Senior Judge Ray was an experienced judge who was always fair,” Wilson said. “He was both a good judge and man.”