John Justice—America’s Prosecutor
In 1990, the Board of Directors of NDAA welcomed a new member from the great state of South Carolina, Solicitor John Justice. At the time, I was canvassing the Board of Directors for support for my run as president-elect of the association. As a result of these meetings with the members, I had the opportunity to first meet and then talk with John at length about our visions for NDAA’s future. We also discussed issues of interest to America’s prosecutors and the criminal justice system. Little did I know that this discussion would lead to a deep admiration and friendship with a truly remarkable man.
Over the next 16 years, John’s stature within the association grew because of the keen insight he demonstrated at various committee meetings, his parliamentary experience as a former South Carolina state legislator, and his ever-present and unique sense of humor. John Justice worked tirelessly on a number of issues important to America’s prosecutors. Whether it was crime control legislation, ethics issues for prosecutors or continuing education for assistants, he gave his all for all of us. John was instrumental in seeing that the National Advocacy Center became a reality with quality training available to all prosecutors at no cost.
Because of his tireless efforts John rose quickly in the leadership of NDAA, becoming a member of numerous committees and chairman of several. He was ultimately elected president-elect in 1997. Solicitor Justice served as our president from 1998-1999. He presided over one of the most successful years in the association’s history. Among many accomplishments, John led the effort to secure student loan forgiveness for public prosecutors, and increased the visibility and prestige of state and local prosecuting attorneys nationally.
The true measure of John Justice, however, was his loyalty to the criminal justice system. As an elected official who continued to try cases, John’s compassion for victims of crime and his devotion to the rule of law made him highly sought after as an expert on professional ethics and criminal justice issues. He spoke frequently and eloquently as a passionate advocate for law and order.
Perhaps the most endearing quality was his sense of humor. John could tell a great joke, diffuse a tense situation with wit and always had a smile, a clever word, and innate funny wisdom for all who were fortunate to meet him.
I will never forget another unique quality of John Justice—his family. We have all come to know and love Gracy, John’s wife and partner in life. Her warmth, smile and laughter have filled all of our hearts and, as past president, Paul Walsh declared, “Gracy is our only life-time honorary member of the Board of Directors.”
Add to the long list of qualities that made John such an outstanding man, the fact that he has three daughters: Dolly (a prosecutor), Ivy (also a prosecutor), and Tess (hopefully a future prosecutor). I have seen them grow up through the years as they attended board meetings and summer conferences. Their success is the ultimate testament to their parents’ devotion and love. Now you know why we were so blessed that John walked into our lives.
John, I know you are reading your copy of The Prosecutor magazine, letting me know it arrived a bit late again and smiling at us all. I will miss you dearly, but will always count myself fortunate to have shared a small part of your incredible life and be comforted that I can always call you my friend. John R. Justice was truly “America’s Prosecutor.”
