Retired Judge James Boyd reflected on his 20 years serving the 9th Judicial District during a retirement party Tuesday, June 27. Boyd thanked his colleagues, commending their work and competence, and expressing hope for the future in their hands. “These principles that we try and follow the rules of law that are important to us. Ultimately, they’re just words on a piece of paper, unless there are people that are ready to step forward and try and breathe some life into those principles. And that’s what I’ve seen all of you do over the years,” said Boyd.
Boyd plans to spend the next year connecting with friends and family, and spending time on his favorite outdoor activities which include hiking, bicycling, skiing and snow-shoeing. “My wife and I made a commitment to each other that we’re not taking on any big commitments for a year,” he noted, adding the agreement wont preclude him from participating in small volunteer projects. After one year he might “reengage,” which could mean signing up for Colorado’s Senior Judge program, doing mediation, or something else entirely.
When asked about the state of the justice system and advice for the people who will carry the torch forward, he said, “it helps a lot to just enjoy people in general, because we always need to respect everybody. Sometimes people are coming in from a difficult spot when you see them. But they’re still people and they still have neat qualities to engage with.”
He added that his time spent in the justice system reaffirmed a core belief that no one is all good or all bad. “So even if I’m, as a judge, seeing somebody because of a mistake they made, or a weakness they have, it doesn’t mean that defines who they are,” he said.
He concluded statements with continued gratitude and hope for the future. “It’s been a real joy to know all of you; it’s been a real joy to do this work.”
