Judge John Namenye

Judge John Namenye was a good man, with a good life, a life devoted to serving his country, his community, and his family. He was an incredibly loyal, talented man, blessed with a level head and a golden heart, a heart he shared with those around him. John was a fair and honest judge and a most beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Most of all, John was a man who made a difference to all who knew him. Johns story began in Kalamazoo, Michigan. On August 6, 1926 Frank and Verona Namenye celebrated the birth of a baby boy, a son they named John Joseph. John was joined by his brothers Joe, Frank, and Alex and sisters Irene and Verona. Johns parents had immigrated to the United States from Hungary. John learned the meaning of hard work from his parents, who had sacrificed much for their children. He also learned the beauty of music at an early age, and became an excellent clarinetist. John attended Kalamazoo Public schools and Kalamazoo Central High School where he was a member of the marching band. After graduating from high school John had designs on college but was drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served his country during WWII. On his return from the service John began attending the University of Michigan. John graduated with his undergraduate degree and promptly entered the University of Michigan Law School. John loved his time at Michigan and bled Maize and Blue the rest of his life. He graduated in 1955, passed the bar and soon found his first job as an assistant prosecutor in the Muskegon County Court System. His personal life began to bloom as well. John married his girlfriend, Barbara Hatfield and soon the couple became the proud parents of a baby girl, Jane. They later celebrated the birth of a son, John Jr. rounding out their family. In 1959, John entered private practice for a time, before running for public office as a democrat. He ran for a newly opened probate judges position, winning a tight race. John found himself a newly-elected judge without a courtroom earning him the nickname the gypsy judge until the county building was remodeled. John served his community for the next 22 year from that post, always fair, honest and compassionate. He was a part of the committee that drafted new guidelines for the treatment of juveniles in 1968 after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled they had the same rights as adults. Including the right to counsel. As hard as John worked he always made time for his family. The holidays were always special to the family especially New Years day. The family gathered at their home to watch the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl. John would belt out Hail to the Victors and cheer on his beloved Wolverines. His family enjoyed traveling together, taking many memorable trips over the years, always taking the back roads. John disliked expressways, preferring to see small towns along the way and enjoying every bit of Americana they could along the way. John was Maize and Blue through and through. He instilled the same love for the school in his children. Both children attended The University of Michigan and were members of the Marching Band, Jane playing her dads clarinet. They made their father immensely proud. John, Jr. is a member of MENSA and is a gifted musician; he can pick up any instrument and play it. He is also an amateur sports referee and umpire. Jane graduated as an artist from the University of Michigan and now is a 3D computer graphics artist. Sadly, Johns beloved wife Barbara died in 1980. John continued to work and be involved in community service. He also had his hobbies which included stamp collecting and gardening. John retired from the bench in 1986. Looking back on his career in probate court he once told the Muskegon Chronicle, I did the best job I could. I followed the law and tried to be fair and honest. In retirement John continued to enjoy traveling and also spending time in the kitchen, priding himself as a gourmet cook. John was involved in many organizations including the State Bar Association, the University of Michigan Alumni Association and Michigan Democratic Party. Eventually he found someone to share his retirement with. He met the women who would become his wife and best friend, Joni Christopher. It was soon apparent that they were meant to share their journey. The happy couple was married in 1993, beginning many wonderful years together. John and Joni had much in common, sharing their love of travel including trips to numerous zoos across the country, and eventually traveling in a motor home. They also enjoyed the performing arts, fine dining and casinos. They attended many Democratic Party events and were in attendance at Governor Jennifer Granholms inaugural ball. When John married Joni he acquired an extended family. Holly and Tom Westveld, David and Metha Christopher, Kevin Christopher, Lori and fiance Paul Mueller, 12 grand children and 2 great grand-children. John helped make many wonderful memories and enjoyed experiencing camping trips, fishing and dining. Eventually, Johns health slowly began to fail. He peacefully walked on escorted by Jesus and his loved ones February 28,2008 at the age of 81. John was a remarkable man who never lost his enthusiasm for life, a life devoted to his country, his community and his family. John was a beloved husband, father, grand -father and friend, who made a difference to all who knew him. He will be so greatly missed. John is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter, Jane Namenye of CA; step-daughters, Holly (Tom) Westveld, Lori (fiance' Paul Mueller) Bushong; step-sons: David (Metha) Christopher, Kevin Christopher; 12 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Dorothy and Ruth Namenye; many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara; son, John Namenye Jr.; brothers, Julius "Joe", Frank, Alex Namenye; sisters, Irene, Verona Namenye. A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 15, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at Docker's Restaurant, Muskegon, MI. There will be a period of visitation one hour prior to the service at Docker's. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.