[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 133 (Thursday, November 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATING JUDGE COLIE NICHOLS ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Judge Colie Nichols, Jr., on his retirement from the Santa Rosa County 
Courthouse.
  Colie Nichols was born in Graceville, Florida on February 5, 1935 to 
the proud parents Colie, Sr. and Gladys Nichols. In 1955, he married 
Freida King and had three children, Rod, Stan, and Garth. After earning 
his Bachelor's of Science degree at Florida State University in 1959, 
Colie went on to become a probation and parole supervisor for the next 
eight years.
  In 1973 Governor Reuben Askew appointed Colie Nichols for County 
Judge, and for the last thirty years Judge Nichols has been a fixture 
on the bench. Since 1982 he has been re-elected without opposition and 
now a state age limitation for judges is forcing the 69-year-old to 
retire this year.
  His retirement is the ending of an era, an era in which any 
profession could be a means into the judicial sector. Judge Nichols was 
not an attorney, yet excelled at providing justice for all in his 
courtroom.
  Even though Judge Nichols was busy as an overseer of justice, he also 
remained active in his community. He was a member of the Governor's 
Advisory Committee on Criminal Justice, a member of Alcoholism 
Rehabilitation Advisory Subcouncil, First Vice-President of the Florida 
Conference of County Judges, President of the Milton Lions Club, 
President of the United Way of Santa Rosa County, and many other 
educational and community centered organizations.
  Today, I salute a man who has dedicated his life to protecting 
freedom, ensuring liberty, and defending the principles of this 
country. His exemplary service has guaranteed that the United States 
will continue to prosper as the world's greatest nation.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to 
congratulate Judge Colie Nichols, Jr. on his retirement and wish him 
many more years of success and happiness.

                          ____________________