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
