J. THOMAS GREENE Jr.

Judge J. Thomas Greene, Jr. 1929 ~ 2011 Judge John Thomas Greene, Jr., gave up his nine-year battle with Multiple Myeloma on February 11, 2011. Thomas was born in Salt Lake City on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1929, to John Thomas and Mary Agnes (Mayme) Hindley Greene, who predeceased him. He grew up in a loving home with sisters Mary Jean (Mick, dec.) Gallacher and Beverly (Carl) Jungst. His home was a welcoming place to his many aunts, uncles and other extended family members. His mother, father and Uncle Reid (Clara) Hindley filled his life with ballads, songs and humor that embellished his personality and enriched his life. It was in this environment he learned his core values that served him throughout his life. Tom was an enthusiastic student at East High School and was always involved in leadership positions and tennis and debate. He has maintained lifelong friendships with his East High classmates. Thomas was graduated from the University of Utah as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Owl and Key. He treasured his membership in Pi Kappa Alpha and would sing any and all of the fraternity songs at first invitation. He especially loved singing with his lifelong friend Burton Cassity. He served on the U of U Debate team with distinction, winning national debate titles. Judge Greene received his Law Degree from the University of Utah in 1955, where he was a Law Review editor and was awarded the Order of the Coif upon graduation. President Ronald Reagan appointed Judge Greene to the United States District Court as a Judge for the District of Utah in 1985. He served in that capacity for 23 years, taking Senior Status in 1997, at which time he continued to hear cases on a limited basis. His judicial career was preceded by a 30-year law practice, beginning as a sole practitioner. He served as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah and then affiliated with the firm Marr, Wilkins and Cannon, which after several mergers and changes became Greene, Callister and Nebeker, the firm's name at the time of Judge Greene's appointment to the Federal Bench. Thomas served his clients in his law practice with competence and compassion and was respected by his legal associates. He was elected Utah State Bar President in 1970. He was also active in the American Bar Association, where he served for 17 years in the House of Delegates, as a Delegate at Large, as the designated Utah State Bar Delegate, and finally as a member of the ABA Board of Governors. His work with the Utah State Bar was extensive. He was a member of the American Inns of Court. Other involvements included serving as chairman of the Community Services Council, President of the Utah State Building Board, and as a member of the Utah State Board of Regents. Thomas cherished and honored his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He treasured his experiences as a missionary in the New England States under President S. Dilworth Young, where he learned the value of country tracting without "purse or script." He cherished and honored his country and believed in and served under the Rule of Law. Judge Greene was a mentor to 42 Law Clerks. He reveled in their accomplishments and enjoyed continued association with them throughout his life. He received many awards and honors during his lifetime, the most recent being a recipient of the 2010 Alumnus of the Year Award from the University of Utah College of Social and Behavioral Science. Thomas married Kay Buchanan in 1955 in the Salt Lake Temple and is the father of three children: Thomas Buchanan Greene (Maria Sgambati) and their sons Jackson and Harrison; John Buchanan Greene (Sonya Smith) and their daughter Natasha; Mary Kay Greene Platt (Russell) and their children Katherine Kay Platt Marshall (Alex) and their daughter Kimi Kay, Joseph Russell Platt, Daniel Thomas Platt and Anne Marie Platt. He loved and guided his family with wisdom, love and steadfast support. He gave the same attention to nieces and nephews and his sister-in-law Marianne Buchanan. The family wishes to thank the Court personnel and the many medical professionals who have made it possible for Thomas to manage his illness and live with a quality of life since he was diagnosed with cancer in September 2001. We also appreciate the love and caring of his longtime aides Jorge E. Zapata, Tamara Fitzgerald, Corey Ottesen and Joan Scow. Funeral services will be held at the Arlington Hills Chapel, 1300 East Fairfax Road (Virginia Street and approximately 6th Avenue), Saturday, February 19, at l p.m. with visitation from 11 a.m. to 12:30. Visitation will also be available at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 East 1300 South) from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 18. If desired, donations may be made in Judge Greene's name to the Huntsman Cancer Hospital, 1950 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City UT 84112, or to the S. J. Quinney School of Law, Univesity of Utah, 332 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City UT 84112.