[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 182 (Wednesday, November 30, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE JOHN H. WATSON, JR. ON HIS RETIREMENT

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 30, 2011

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of 
Representatives to join me as I rise to pay tribute to Judge John H. 
Watson, Jr. as he retires from his position as Municipal Court Judge 
for the City of East Orange. It is my distinct pleasure to add my 
congratulations to that of his family, friends and associates as they 
celebrate in honor of a man who has been involved in every aspect of 
law for over 30 years. For all the leadership he has shown and the 
contributions he has made over the years, Judge Watson is a worthy 
recipient of the accolades he will receive on November 18, 2011.
  I consider it a privilege to have been involved with Judge Watson's 
early foray into public service. In addition to serving on the bench, 
Judge Watson has maintained a successful private practice where he has 
used his legal expertise to guide numerous clients through a variety of 
legal matters. He has been a mentor to new attorneys and has provided 
internship opportunities to youngsters interested in pursuing law 
degrees. Fortunately, for the community at large, Judge Watson has 
always been a fair and thoughtful individual. He is a Vietnam War 
veteran who obviously has a strong sense of loyalty to his country.
  A graduate of Rutgers University Law School, Judge Watson held a 
number of positions before branching out on his own. He is a member of 
several Bar Associations and has been an active participant in the 
Rutgers-Newark Law School Alumni Association. A doting husband and 
father, Judge Watson is also a loving grandfather, a loyal friend and a 
trusted confidant.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my fellow members of the House of Representatives 
agree that Judge Watson has been an integral part of the East Orange 
Court system. His retirement is the culmination of a stellar career and 
we wish him well in this new and exciting phase of his life.

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