[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO CIRCUIT JUDGE ROBERT J. SIMMS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM DAVIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2004

  Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Circuit Judge 
Robert J. Simms, a dedicated public servant, whose sudden death has 
left his Hillsborough County colleagues and our entire community in 
shock and mourning.
  Judge Simms presided over a host of high-profile civil, criminal and 
family law cases during his time on the bench, but whether the cases 
were closely watched or obscure, Judge Simms always strived to do his 
best and skillfully upheld the highest standards of justice.
  A University of South Florida and Stetson College of Law graduate, 
Judge Simms worked as a prosecutor for the Pinellas-Pasco and 
Hillsborough State Attorney offices, then as a criminal defense lawyer 
before being elected in 1990. He had been reelected to the bench in 
2002.
  Judge Simms served both on the Judicial Liaison Committee for the 
Hillsborough County Bar Association and as an adjunct professor for the 
paralegal program at Hillsborough Community College. However, Judge 
Simms' colleagues will remember him best for his patient, unassuming 
and kind demeanor on and off the bench. He was a judge's judge and a 
powerful example to all who knew him.
  On behalf of the Hillsborough County community, I would like to 
extend my deepest sympathies to Judge Simms' family. His dedication to 
service and justice will leave a lasting impression on our community 
and those who strive to serve justice as well as he did.

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