Retiring Judge Ray honored by state juvenile department

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Palo Pinto County Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Bob Kimbrell, right, presents 29th State Judicial District Judge Jerry Ray with a plaque of appreciation from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department commending the retiring judge for his work in the areas of juvenile justice and probation. Also pictured are fellow county juvenile board members Auditor Sharon Allen, left, and County Judge David Nicklas, second from right. David May/Index

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November 16, 2012

Retiring Judge Ray honored by state juvenile department

Anonymous Mineral Wells Index The Mineral Wells Index Fri Nov 16, 2012, 08:11 AM CST

FROM STAFF REPORTS

PALO PINTO – For the second consecutive day, outgoing State District Judge Jerry Ray was honored Thursday for his public service.

He received a Certificate of Appreciation plaque from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, signed by Executive Director Michael Griffiths. The plaque was presented Judge Ray at the start of a regular Palo Pinto County Juvenile Board meeting by Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Bob Kimbrell. Also present were board members County Auditor Sharon Allen and County Judge David Nicklas.

The plaque reads, in part: “With gratitude for your vision and sincere commitment to the children and families of Texas for over 21 years. You have overcome challenges, but progressed forward with strength, momentum and drive to continually improve services and make a difference in the Texas juvenile justice system.”

Judge Ray is retiring next month after serving the county eight years as district attorney and the last 12 as judge for the 29th State Judicial District. He has served on the county juvenile board and, although he primarily presides over adult felony criminal and civil cases filed with the district clerk, he has also presided over juvenile criminal and probation cases when needed.

“The duties of a district judge are varied, especially in a small county that has a relatively small population and therefore, by statute and by requirement, I have my fingers in a few pies around the courthouse but I have enjoyed my work on the juvenile board,” said Ray. “Most of the decision-making has fallen on the county judges I have served with – Judge (Mickey) West, Judge (Mike) Smiddy and now Judge Nicklas – but as far as the administrative part of that I have enjoyed that. There have been some stress and some pressures but it is time for me to go off into the sunset quietly.”

On Wednesday, Judge Ray attended a Court-Appointed Special Advocates of Palo Pinto County awards luncheon at which the first quarterly CASA advocate award bearing his name was presented.

Mike Moore was elected this month to replace Judge Ray beginning Jan. 1.