[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 5 (Thursday, January 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E34]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF JUDGE CHARLES B. MIKELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 9, 2014

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the late 
Charlie Mikell. Many years ago I was in a Bible study group with a few 
friends. We met weekly to discuss spiritual matters, the Gospel, and 
our personal lives. One of the members was a young lawyer named Charles 
B. Mikell. Although as a group we were at various stages of our lives, 
Charlie had already served as an Army Intelligence Officer in Vietnam 
and was with one of the leading law firms in Savannah. One day he made 
a surprising comment. He said that there had been times in his life 
when he felt that he should have been doing more for others. As the 
years went by, I realized exactly what he meant.
   Eventually Charlie gave up his very lucrative career in law and was 
appointed to the State Court of Chatham County. He served as Chief 
Judge of that court for two years and as President of the Georgia 
Council of State Court Judges. Later, he was elected Judge of the 
Superior Court of the Eastern Judicial Circuit in 1992 and was 
reelected in 1996. In 2000 he was appointed to the Georgia Court of 
Appeals. He served as Chief Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals from 
2011 until his retirement in August of 2012. Through these activities 
he realized his potential and ability in serving others and emerged as 
one of the most respected judges in Georgia. He had a reputation for 
fairness, clarity, and mercy.
   In addition to his outstanding public service, Charlie was also 
involved in a number of charities and foundations, including the United 
Way, the Arthritis Foundation, the Boy Scouts, the Devereaux 
Foundation, the Museum of African History and Culture, the King-Tisdell 
Cottage Foundation, the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Justice Center, and the 
National Foundation for Troubled Youth. He was also a member of the 
vestry at Christ Church, taught Sunday School, and coached basketball 
at the Victor B. Jenkins Memorial Boys Club. In each of his endeavors, 
he transcended political and socio-economic differences. He truly had 
no enemies and was respected by all.
   Charlie passed away on November 4, 2013 after a courageous battle 
with multiple myeloma. He leaves behind his loving wife of thirty-three 
years, Dr. Julia L. Mikell, his son Chuck and his wife Isadora, his son 
John, his wife Jane, and their two sons John, Jr. and James, and his 
son Sam. I had the privilege of attending church with the Mikell 
family, and I taught both Chuck and John in Sunday School. I also 
worked with Sam during his time in Washington. All three kids are 
brilliant, polite, and, like their parents, have channeled their 
remarkable talents into both the pursuit of their careers and to 
helping others.
   America is full of good people, and it's people like Julia and 
Charlie Mikell who have made America great by handing down wonderful 
values to their children. They will continue to bless us, and their 
memory will carry on. I feel honored to recognize the memory of Charlie 
Mikell, and I was proud to call him a friend. He will be truly missed.

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