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SUNNY Temp: 69 °F Wind: WNW at 6 mph Monday, June 10, 2002 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Cyberchef E The People Golf Job Network Headbone Zone Wellness Connection Movie Times Newspaper in Education Oregon CarZone Outdoor Journal Personals Prime Times Real Estate Tempo A & E TV Times W3 Magazine CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Destinations Automotive Communities Employment Entertainment Publications Real Estate Recreation Shopping Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Jobs @ Mail Tribune Email Story to a Friend May 31, 2002 Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Ross Davis retires today and will be honored with a party that many in the county�s legal community will attend. He�s seen here Thursday, presiding over his last trial as a full-time judge. Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli Ross Davis Age: 60 Born: Portland Family: married to Kathleen Davis for 37 years; three grown sons, Brian, Michael and Joseph Davis; two grandchildren Education: graduate of Lawrence University, Appleton, Wis., and Willamette Law School, Salem Rogue Valley resident: moved to Southern Oregon in 1969 Occupations: private attorney, Jackson County deputy district attorney (one year), and Jackson County District and Circuit Court judge since 1972 Positions held: presiding district court judge, Oregon Council on Civil Procedures, Oregon Commission on Judicial Branch, Jackson County Council on Alcoholism, Jackson County Community Corrections Advisory Committee, OnTrack Inc. board of directors Jackson County Judge Davis retires ‘We may not always paddle together. But in general, we’re all trying to serve the public,’ he says By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune Jackson County Circuit Judge Ross Davis likes to compare the judicial system to a boat full of people. For the most part, their goal is singular and simple, he says: Seek out the truth and find resolution. "We may not always paddle together," Davis says. "But in general, we’re all trying to serve the public." After more than 30 years of navigating Southern Oregon’s legal waters, Davis, 60, will step aside today. Although the long-time resident will continue to offer his services as a pro tem judge and remain active with numerous programs, committees and organizations, Davis says it’s time to retire. Instead of presiding over docket calls, sentencings and trials, Davis’ schedule now revolves around fly fishing, traveling, improving his singing skills and, of course, spending lots of time with family. "I’m looking forward to it," Davis admits, adding that he’ll also use the time to hone his arbitration and mitigation skills. "I still get to keep my hand in." Davis has served as a locally elected judge since 1972. Gov. John Kitzhaber in April appointed former public defender Lorenzo Mejia to fill Davis’ position. Mejia will begin Monday, said Court Operations Supervisor Bob Kleker. Circuit Court Judge Mark Schiveley — who argued his first case as a private attorney in front of Davis — will assume his mentor’s position of presiding district court judge on Monday. "I miss him already," Schiveley says. "He brings a youthful spirit that carries with him at all times." Christmas at the Justice Building may seem a little bleak this year unless Davis comes to visit. According to colleagues, Davis has a long-standing tradition of wandering the halls and gathering a crowd to sing carols each year during the holidays. "I love to sing," admits Davis, a member of the Rogue Valley Chorale. "I don’t know how good I am." Kleker’s feelings about Davis’ retirement are bittersweet. Although he’s pleased for Davis, Kleker says during his 21 years with Jackson County, Davis has become like a father or older brother to him. "He understands that it takes everybody to run the court system," Kleker said. "Judge Davis is very keenly aware of the court staff. He’s the first one to be down here and make sure everybody’s OK." It’s an aspect of Davis’ personality that Judicial Assistant Elsie Wehren knows well. During the 21 years she has worked for Davis, Wehren says her boss has never yelled at her, raised his voice or lost his temper. She says that it’s just that quality — as well as his ability to quickly read and respond to people — that make him an excellent judge. "I’ve seen him connect with almost everybody," she said. "He sizes up people immediately. Ninety-nine to 100 percent of the time, he’s correct." Community Justice Director Bob Grindstaff says he’s impressed with Davis’ tough-yet-respectful approach. "He always makes (offenders) acknowledge their wrongdoing," Grindstaff adds. "He always has a hook in there." Although Davis acknowledges that jail time is an appropriate punishment, he doesn’t advocate locking a person up and throwing away the key. Instead, Davis says he prefers to solve problems at their very roots. Davis has actively supported, and helped to build the Community Justice’s cognitive restructuring — a program created to change both the behavior and lifestyle of offenders. Davis has also worked with Schiveley and Judge Rebecca Orf to create Jackson County Drug Court, a system that helps families and individuals overcome addictions by building relationships among drug offenders, judges and a team of service providers. "I’ve always been very interested in what happens to the person after we sentence them," Davis says. "Addiction has always accounted for so much (criminal behavior)." Director Rita Sullivan says Davis has been an active supporter of OnTrack Inc. for most of his career. "I’ve always been surprised by his depth of understanding in regard to addiction," says On Track Inc. Director Rita Sullivan. "He’s helped shape treatment from the bench and the board." Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy web master feedback A D V E R T I S E R S