Wilcox will retire from the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2007

Madison, Wisconsin - March 28, 2006

Justice Jon P. Wilcox will retire from the Wisconsin Supreme Court when his current 10-year term ends in August 2007. He makes the announcement today, more than a year before the April 2007 election for the seat, to clear the way for those interested in becoming candidates in this statewide race.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my 37 years of public service,” Wilcox said. “My term will end about one month before my 71st birthday."

His years of service include 15 years on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and 13 years as a circuit court judge in Waushara County; one year as a family court commissioner; six years as a state representative in the Wisconsin Legislature; and two years as an officer in the U.S. Army.

During his 28-year judicial career, Wilcox has served in a number of leadership positions. During his tenure on the circuit court, he was selected to serve as chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Administrative District, which encompasses Adams, Clark, Columbia, Dodge, Green Lake, Juneau, Marquette, Portage, Sauk, Waushara, and Wood counties. He also was elected by his fellow chief judges as chair of the Committee of Chief Judges, and was selected to serve on the faculty of the Wisconsin Judicial College, where he helped to educate judges across the state. In addition, he served for a total of eight years as chairman and vice chairman of the Wisconsin Sentencing Commission.

"It has been a wonderful, satisfying experience," Wilcox said. "I have had the opportunity to travel the state to meet the public and hear their ideas and questions. I am most grateful for their wisdom and support of the judicial system.

"I will definitely miss my colleagues on the court. They are all hard working and dedicated to an independent judiciary, and serving in a fair and impartial manner."

In retirement, Wilcox said he intends to “spend more time in the woods and streams of the state. I plan to do some tree farming, trout fishing, teaching, traveling, and, most importantly, I look forward to spending time with my family."

"I thank the citizens of Wisconsin for their confidence and support. It has been a great honor and privilege to serve this great state."

For more information contact:
Amanda Todd
Court Information Officer
(608) 264-6256

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