Judge Jim Clifford -- 18 years on the bench

(We were pleased to get a note from Jim Clifford this week. And we were especially pleased to get a picture of him in the robes of the office. Really classes up the blog, don't you think? These contributions bring a lot of enjoyment as we reflect back on our respective journeys. Read on. Then send us your own blurb. We'll put a star by your name when you do. -- Trailboss.)

Jim Clifford left Alexandria on July 8, 1965 for the Army. He served until April 20, 1968 and was stationed in Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo.; Baltimore, Md.; Pusan, Republic of Korea; and Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was honorably discharged three months before his 20th birthday.
He attended the U of M for undergraduate school, graduating in 1972, then attended William Mitchell College of Law, graduating in 1976. He moved to North Branch, Minnesota and practiced law privately and served as an assistant county attorney in Chisago County, until he became the Chisago County Attorney in June of 1977.

Benched by the Governor
After serving in this capacity for 8 1/2 years, he was appointed to the District Court Bench by Gov. Rudy Perpich on January 20, 1985.
"During my 18 years on the bench, I tried about every kind of case that ever gets through the courthouse door," Jim said. "Many who read this information will express no doubt that I'd end up in a courtroom, but all will be surprised that I got the head chair!"
Jim is married to Diane, and has a 21-year-old daughter studying at St. Thomas, and an 18-year old-son at St. Olaf. "That's good for them, and for me as well," he laughs. "After all the money I will have paid saints, one Catholic and one Lutheran, I should be pretty well covered when my time at the pearly gates arrives. It's still going to be close, I acknowledge having lots of 'experience' to offset."
Jim enjoys hunting and fishing as well as golf and travel.

Young person's game
Jim says his retirement was premature and came about because of heart problems. "I had a double bypass in 1992, at age 44, and stents installed in September, 2002. I continue to battle health concerns, but for the most part, I prevail. I have chosen not to practice law after retirement because the only area I'm interested in is criminal law, from either the prosecution or defense side. That sort of thing is a young person's game, and one only has a certain number of 'good ones' during the lifetime. I've used mine up, and a return to litigation probably would do me in."
Jim enjoys reading about classmates in the class blog and hopes to see a lot more items before the class reunion. He plans on attending it next summer.