On October 21, 1998, my uncle, the Honorable Judge John David Kelly of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, died. His death was a huge personal loss for my family and me and a great loss to the citizens of the United States.
John was the youngest of my mother's family and the only boy. I'm sure he was spoiled, but no one would ever own up to it. Throughout most of my life, he was an attorney in Fargo, North Dakota; one who frequently fought for the rights of private citizens against those of corporations. Eventually, he became president of his law firm and then in 1996, his name was submitted to Clinton for consideration for nomination to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. Clinton subsequently nominated him and the Senate confirmed his nomination on July 31, 1998. Tragically, his time on the bench was short-lived, as he died prematurely only a few months after his confirmation.
Read More