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RICHARD JAMBORSKY Obituary
JAMBORSKY Richard J. Jamborsky Richard J. Jamborsky died September 25, 2015 at GWU Hospital. He is survived by Barbara Jamborsky; his sons, Mike, Rick, and Dan; his daughters-in-law, Margaret and Courtney; and his grandchildren, Ellie, Laura, Sailor and Hank. He was born in Louisville, KY in 1936 and reared in Savannah, GA. Richard came to GWU on scholarship where he received his undergraduate and law degrees and later became an Adjunct Law Professor. Jamborsky was hired as the first legal aid attorney in Fairfax County in 1966. He was appointed as a judge on the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court of Fairfax Co. in 1968 serving as Chief Judge from 1975 to 1976 He was named in 1976 to the Fairfax Circuit Court becoming its Chief Judge from 1990 until 1994. During his 30 years on the bench he received numerous awards and honors for contributions to juvenile law, family law and human rights. The Fairfax Law Foundation chose him to be the recipient of the "You Made a Difference Award" for his "enduring commitment to the access of justice for all". Judge Jamborsky retired in 1996 but continued to work as a substitute judge and as a mediator and arbitrator at The McCammon Group. He was a volunteer tour guide at the Kennedy Center and National Zoo. He was a member of and had been on the Board of the Arts Club of Washington. Richard ran in over 60 marathons including 25 consecutive Boston Marathons. In 1981 he finished in the remarkable time of 2 hours, thirty minutes and 26 seconds winning a master's medal. He enjoyed watching college football, was an avid Nats fan and rooted for the Washington Redskins, though not the name. He loved the theater and worked as an actor portraying Juror #9 twice for productions at the Keegan Theater's "12 Angry Men"; and Reverend Tooker on "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". He appeared on TV as a pathologist in "Homicide", and the mad doctor on the Discovery Channel's "Haunted Places in America". An Open House in Celebration of Richard's Life will be held on Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Reston Community Center in Lake Anne, 1609 Washington Plaza North, Reston, VA 20190. An Open House in Celebration of Richard's Life will be held on Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Reston Community Center in Lake Anne, 1609 Washington Plaza North, Reston, VA 20190.
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Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD JAMBORSKY
October 16, 2015
Dick Jamborsky was my friend and mentor. He left the tracks for me to follow and I will always be grateful to him for my career. But mostly I just loved him Johanna Fitzpatrick
Roy Baldwin
October 16, 2015
A truly great judge.
Doug Wessel
October 15, 2015
He wanted to see justice done. Wise and compassionate, mild-mannered but steely. Nearly three decades ago my good friend and I tried a difficult and controversial case before him and a jury for six weeks. It could have been simply a grind for all, but he was there, as always, to remind us by example and gentle suggestion that there was high purpose in our work together.
He lived and worked with courage.
Be at rest and peace, Judge.
robert dumas
October 15, 2015
Peace and Blessing. Journey On!
Fred Swersky
October 13, 2015
I knew Dick as a colleague on the bench and as amember of The McCammon Group;before that as a lawyer practicing in the Fairfax Circuit Court,I never saw a finer combination of wisdom,compassion,and civility.
Spark Rogers
October 10, 2015
The Judge:
He was a real judge, before Wapner, Judy, Lance Ito, and C. Thomas , a man who could out adjudicate them all.
" A heart is not judged by how much one loves but by how much one is loved by others"
- The Wizard of Oz
Dick, we your friends never judged you, we just loved you as you loved so many.
David Munn
October 9, 2015
A mentor in the court and trusted friend.
JoAnne Phipps
October 9, 2015
What a graceful, lovely man. He was respected and admired at the Arts Club of Washington for his friendship to all, sage advice, talent and calm persuasion. Our sincerest sympathies to his family and friends. JoAnne & Ed Phipps, Natchez, MS (formerly Alexandria, VA)
Ozey Thorpe
October 9, 2015
Richard and I shared the spectrum friendship and the peace that surpasses understanding. It's a privilege to have known him. He will always be in my prayers.
Rosemarie Annunziata
October 6, 2015
I am deeply saddened by the passing of this unique and very memorable human being, a man of courage and a deeply centered sense of justice, a man who understood well the human heart, and who committed his many gifts to serving our community. Dick Jamborsky was a wonderful mentor, a fine judge, and an inspiration to all who knew him.
Robert Hall
October 6, 2015
In addition to all of his wonderful qualities as a human being and as a judge, so we'll described in this guestbook, Judge Jamborsky was courageous. He was not afraid to make judicial rulings which he knew would be unpopular because he knew the result was called for under the law. He commuted the death sentence of James T. Clark to life imprisonment based on ineffective assistance of his attorneys during the sentencing phase of the trial, a decision which caused local politicians to denounce him in the most impolite terms, including threats that he would be removed from the bench at the end of his term. Judge Jamborsky knew that was an occupational hazard for doing what was right. The wisdom of his ruling was ultimately upheld by the federal appeals court, and many of his detractors failed of re-election. He truly earned to be addressed "Your Honor"!
October 5, 2015
Here in Maine we only knew Richard for a couple of years not only as a wise and generous supporter and board member of PORTopera, but also as much loved friend. How we missed him when he returned to the D.C. area! But from a distance he did all he could to continue his support. He so loved opera.
We are saddened on many levels to lose him. We should all aspire to be the human being he was. Jack and Bonnie Riddle, South Portland Maine.
Tom Carter
October 5, 2015
Judge Jamborsky was my first boss out of law school in 1978. I was one of two Judges' Law Clerks in the Fairfax County Circuit Court. It was a pilot program and I reported daily to him. He was always patient and willing to explain to me how things worked. He wanted to be the best judge he could possibly be and worked very hard to be prepared for every case. He was genuinely interested in the people who appeared before him and wanted his decisions to be compassionate as well as correct.
He got me interested in running. The last few months of my year under his wing we would run around Burke Lake or on the C&O Canal towpath after work. Those were great times for me since we would talk about everything under the sun. What a privilege it was for me!
God bless you and keep you, Judge. You will be missed.
Dona D. Vaughn
October 5, 2015
All of us at PORTopera in Portland, Maine are saddened by the passing of a cherished former board member and beloved friend. Richard loved opera and was a passionate supporter of PORT. He will be deeply missed.
Seth Guggenheim
October 5, 2015
Everyone on these pages has captured the essence of this true gentleman. Practicing before him was a privilege, and my clients always felt that they had been heard and treated fairly. I particularly remember on motions days when Judge Jamborsky sent warring spouses into the hallway, admonishing them to try to work out their issues because he would never know as much about their cases as they did, and would probably make a ruling that neither of them liked! A great number of matters were resolved based on such a commonsense approach! Such a fine man, whom we were fortunate to have on the bench.
Joe Fleig
October 5, 2015
Farewell to a longtime friend, former neighbor, fellow runner, but, above all, a wise, caring, gentle man.
Jim Korman
October 5, 2015
A kind and wise man. He most assuredly will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Ralph Kipp
October 5, 2015
Judge Jamborsky was a jurist who genuinely cared about the parties before him, whatever their disputes entailed. He was famous for championing the rights of children affected by litigation and was a man of great compassion and integrity.
Robert Surovell
October 5, 2015
Dick Jamborsky was the first judge I had the privilege to appear before about 45 years ago, and he was one of the best. He was well versed in the law, had an excellent demeanor, a thorough sense of justice and was always fair. It was a privilege to try a case before him. He was a genuinely decent man. It was also a pleasure to be married by him in front of my fireplace before family and friends in 1984.
Vince Fuller
October 5, 2015
Dick married Rebecca and me on May 7, 1988, in Alexandria, Virginia, in the presence of many fellow Gnat runners and family and friends. A truly happy time, presided over by a wonderful man. I practiced law in Northern Virginia for seven years before relocating to St. Thomas with Rebecca, and appeared before Dick in the Fairfax County Circuit Court. Judge Jamborsky was the most intelligent, compassionate and competent Judge I ever appeared before. More importantly, he was a kind, caring and loyal friend, and a truly great human being. The miles we and other fellow Gnats spent on the road, training and competing in marathons and other foot races, and engaging in social activities, will be cherished forever.
Michael Shevlin
October 5, 2015
What a great, great man! Regardless of whether Judge Jamborsky was deciding a criminal matter or civil matter, or whether he was involved as a judge, mediator or friend, he always listened with compassion and spoke with words of wisdom. To say that he served the Fairfax community with distinction is an understatement. He served as an inspiration for how members of our community should treat one another with respect, dignity and empathy.
David Hirsch
October 5, 2015
Judge Jamborsky was a fine jurist and a decent man. I am privileged that I often had the opportunity to be in his courtroom. I have fond memories of those trials and motions dockets. He was a good soul who will long be fondly remembered.
Stan Klein
October 5, 2015
Rest in peace Dick. You were an inspiration for many of us who took the bench after you.
John Brandt
October 5, 2015
It was a pleasure to appear before Judge Jamborsky, a fine judge and a fine person.
Jerry Boykin
October 5, 2015
A fine Judge and an even better human being.
Nadine Taylor-Tolbert
October 5, 2015
The world has lost a gentle man,
a caring soul, a sharing hand.
We have lost a loving friend,
but wonderful memories will never end.
Over many years, so many miles,
so many runs, so many smiles.
Olympic trials and foreign shores,
Virginia Beach, Track & Field tours.
We love you Dick, we'll miss you so,
but we're at peace because we know.
If there's a heaven, you're surely there,
with many friends the joy you'll share.
With fellow GNATs the miles you'll run;
aches and pains, there will be none.
The sun in your face, the wind at your back,
enjoy the miles with Karen, Tom, Jerry and Jack.
Rest in peace our dear friend. Herb and I will always treasure the memories of time spent with you.
Joe Condo
October 4, 2015
Judge Richard Jamborsky was one of the most thoughtful, caring, insightful jurists ever to grace the Circuit Court of Fairfax County. His combination of insight into human nature, empathy for the people who appeared before him, and recognition of the far-reaching effects of the decisions he made was rare and remarkable. Off the bench he was a kind, gracious and thoroughly decent man, with a wry sense of humor. He has been missed since he left the bench, and the world is a little less gentle with his passing.
Marie Baumann
October 4, 2015
Dick married Chan Robbins and me in Arlington VA in 1983, just after he obtained the legal power by Virginia to do so. We were thrilled that he was able to be "the one"! He was such a special person, the world is a lesser place without him. We are heartbroken. He loved listening to Bob Seger's "Against the Wind", a mantra of many a runner as we were in those days. Be at peace Dick--we love you.
Gale Cordell
October 4, 2015
Dick was a class act, and he exuded calmness and caring every time I had the pleasure and privilege of being in his company. Dick was one of my husband Larry's favorite people, and I imagine Larry and the Judge will run a few laps around heaven together.
Thomas Mann
October 4, 2015
I always felt good when Judge Jamborsky was sitting on the bench. I just knew that the trial would be fair and that he would be firm but courteous. He was a good man, a fine judge and a decent human being. I probably said the dumbest thing as a trial lawyer ever when arguing at a sentencing hearing. About 20 seconds later he stopped me and said, "Wait, what was that again?" So I had to say it twice! As I judge, I try to emulate many of his outstanding qualities. Including tolerating with kindness the occasional silly argument as he did for me. Rest in peace Judge Jamborsky.
Chuck Paul
October 4, 2015
A great guy and a good friend.
Georgiana Havill
October 4, 2015
Dick was one of the kindest people I have ever known and I knew at the time when we might have been running together or attending an event, that it was a privileged crossing of paths and lives. I have hardly ever quoted someone so often on his wry wit and observations. He is also the reason I became a court-appointed marriage celebrant, 5,000 ceremonies ago. He was one of a kind and I will miss him so much. 'mike' havill
leslie Hoffman
October 4, 2015
Judge Jamborsky was tremendously accomplished, and invariably kind and even-tempered. A lovely human being.
Melissa Martin
October 4, 2015
I met Judge Jamborsky on my first day working for the Circuit Court in 1977 and had the honor of working for him until his retirement. Judge Jamborsky was one of the most thoughtful people I ever knew and he had great empathy for all. He was always gracious to and appreciative of the court staff. I loved to hear of his travels all over the world to support track and field events. He always spoke of his deep love for his family and my deepest sympathies are with them at this time.
Dick Colten
October 4, 2015
The loss of one of the best. For sure.
Tim Mead
October 4, 2015
Richard was one of my inspirations from the time we met, September 1956, to the present.
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