James W. Paddock died August 31 peacefully at his home in Lawrence, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Ruth Ann Paddock. He was born on August 15, 1928 in Kansas City, MO, the son of Edward E. Paddock and Mabel (Stevens) Paddock.
Following his discharge from the Air Force in 1953, he attended the University of Kansas School of Law, and graduated in 1956. He practiced law in Lawrence from 1956 – 1972, and then served as a judge of the Kansas 7th Judicial District from 1972 – 1994. Following retirement in 1994 he was named a senior judge by the Kansas Supreme Court and was assigned to the Court of Appeals from 1994-2002. In 2006 he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by the University of Kansas School of Law.
Over the years Judge Paddock served the Lawrence community in a variety of roles. He was President of the Lawrence School Board, the Douglas County Historical Society, and the Rice Foundation. He also served on the board of directors of the Lawrence Sesquicentennial Commission, and was active member of the First United Methodist Church.
His family often vacationed in Colorado in the summer. He was an avid hiker and passed his love and respect for the outdoors to his sons. He also loved running and playing golf. He was a devoted husband to Ruth Ann and a loving father to his children.
He is survived by his sons James Paddock and Joel Paddock, and his daughters in law Debra Paddock and Elizabeth Paddock. A private family graveside service will be conducted at a future time.
The family requests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or the St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, both links to donate are linked below:
St. Jude Children’s Hospital:
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude-today.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now&homepage-header-btn
Joel and Jim, I am sorry to hear that you have lost your father. I did not know him as well as I did your mother but remember his smiling face. I hope your happy memories of time spent with your father help you fill the void of losing a parent. Sincerely, Melonie Moore Sullivan
The City of Lawrence, Douglas County, & State of Kansas lost a pillar of our society in James W. Paddock (Bill) on 8/31/2024. He was a very accomplished lawyer, jurist, and citizen. He carried out many important duties in a skilled, caring, and considerate manner which have been stated in his obituary. One such included serving as a founding Trustee of the Ethel & Raymond F. Rice private charitable foundation as President, Trustee, and Trustee Emeritus from 1972 until his death. Many of many charities have greatly benefited from his service. We at the Foundation extend all our condolences to the Judges family.
James and Joel,
Your dad was an inspiration to lawyers who were fortunate to practice in his court. For those fortunate to have contact with him outside of court, he inspired with his intelligence, charm, and wonderful dry wit.
As often said, Judge Paddock was admired and respected by the legal community, not just in Douglas County, but across Kansas. In commenting on your dad’s impressive career and leadership at his district judge retirement celebration, one of Paul Simon’s song lyrics was quoted: “Who’ll be my role model now that my role model is gone?” After the celebration and par for the course, Judge Paddock humbly deflected all the homages of the night and asked with deadpan deviousness, “Who is Paul Simon?”
In our lives we are lucky if we meet a few people that make us better. Your dad was one of those people for me.
I am the former Helen Pendleton. I was sorry to hear of Judge Paddock’s passing. In fact, I was just thinking of him a few days ago. My late father, Judge William B. Pendleton, replaced Paddock as Police Judge for the City Court back in March of 1959, when Paddock resigned to accept a position as assistant county attorney. Mr. Paddock was gracious to stay on the job several extra weeks in order to find a suitable replacement. My deepest condolences to all his loved ones. May the Lord Jesus give them His peace, which passes understanding.
I cannot say it any better than Judge Lungstrom. And he was my role model when I became a district court judge in 1994.
I had the great honor to practice in front of Judge Paddock for many years. He was a role model for anyone aspiring to become a judge. His work ethic, temperament and understanding of the law and of human nature made him outstanding. He was always fair and always demanding of the best from the lawyers who appeared in front of him. His career as a community leader followed the same course as his professional one. We have lost a distinguished resident of our city and state.
I was so saddened to see the obituary for “Judge Paddock.” I worked for him as his court reporter for 19 years, until he retired. I can’t say enough wonderful, positive things about him. I respected him so much, as did many others. It truly saddens me I hadn’t seen him for a number of years. There is a conference room named after him, as well as his picture hung in the hallway of the courthouse that always brings a smile to my face.
However, I’m sure he’s happy to reunite with his beautiful wife!!!
He will be remembered for many years to come.
I have been so fortunate to know and appreciate Judge Paddock through our work together on the Lawrence Sesquicentennial Commission. His courtesy and his generous support and his extension of genuine friendship will remain with me always. His service to our county and our state have made a positive difference in so many ways. To his family I express my admiration and appreciation for the life of a true gentleman.