Reply #3: Pete Johson Is A Great American

[BamaLefty]

Judge Johson Bio:

There is no man whose name is more associated with Alabama Boys State than that of Judge Pete Johnson of Birmingham. Through decades of tireless service and dedication to the promotion and growth of Alabama Boys State, Judge Johnson has been the recipient of numerous deserved awards and countless tributes.

His 36-year involvement with the program has earned him a reputation as the very personification of the highest ideals of Boys State.

Judge Johnson was born and grew up on a farm in Hardaway, Alabama. As a boy he raised show calves and worked on the family farm, all the while active in various youth organizations such as 4-H. In 1963, he represented his school at the American Legion's Alabama Boys State program.

Beginning the very next year, Judge Johnson has continuously served on the staff of Alabama Boys State, with the exception of the year 1970, when he was in service in Vietnam.

He has been the Director of Alabama Boys State since 1984.

Judge Johnson attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery, and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama in 1969. He served as the Business Manager of the "Crimson White", the campus newspaper, and was awarded the Gold Key Award from the Board of Publications, while at the University of Alabama.

Upon graduation from college, Judge Johnson entered the United States Army and served as an Armored Cavalry Platoon Leader in Vietnam, 1969-1970, receiving the Bronze Star and Vietnamese Service Medal.

He entered Cumberland Law School, graduating in 1974 with a Juris Doctorate. From 1974 through 1979, Judge Johnson served as an Assistant District Attorney in Birmingham. During that time, he successfully prosecuted over 150 felony jury trials, including 7 for capital murder. During 1980-1984, he was engaged in private practice.

On January 6, 1984, Governor George C. Wallace appointed Pete Johnson to the position of District Judge, Jefferson County, a position he has held since that time. Since 1992, Judge Johnson has served as the Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division of the District Court.

In 1996, Judge Johnson initiated the Jefferson County Drug Court, and is widely recognized as a Drug Court advocate throughout Alabama. He also travels to other states as a frequent lecturer on drugs and crime.

Judge Johnson is a member of the Birmingham, Alabama and American Bar Associations, as well as the American Judicature Society. He also serves on the faculty of the Alabama Judicial College. In addition, he is a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Birmingham Committee on Foreign Relations, the American Legion and the American Legion's National Americanism Commission. He is a Rotarian.

The recipient of the Americanism Award of the American Legion Department of Alabama, Judge Johnson has also been honored with the Outstanding Service Award by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Vocational Service Award of the Shades Valley Rotary Club and was made a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary. A proponent of athletics, as well as civics, he has also coached youth league football, baseball and basketball.

Judge Johnson and his wife, Jean, have two sons and are members of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.


http://www.legislature.state.al.us/misc/guide/student_teacher/boys_girls_state/judge_johnson_boys_state.html