[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11864]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             IN HONOR OF DISTRICT COURT JUDGE JOSEPH BLICK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. WALTER B. JONES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2013

  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to honor 
District Court Judge Joseph A. Blick, Jr., a dedicated public servant 
and worthy recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, an honor 
awarded by the governor of North Carolina.
  In the journey of life, it is a privilege to meet an individual like 
Joe Blick--a man of strong faith who always makes time for his family, 
church, and the local community. Joe rarely utters the word ``no,'' but 
instead eagerly seeks opportunities to help others. He has been a role 
model for the Greenville youth by volunteering to coach sports or help 
with the youth group at St. Peter Catholic Church. He is a man who 
teaches fairness and compassion in and out of the courtroom and has 
always led by example.
  A prime example of Mr. Blick's generous nature comes in his decision 
to retire a year early, giving up his full retirement status in order 
to accept a teaching position at St. Peter's Catholic School. As 
always, he has chosen to follow the will of God and understands that 
teaching the young men and women who represent America's future is his 
calling.
  This new position will represent a return to the classroom for Judge 
Blick, who taught and coached students in Moore County, North Carolina, 
before attending law school at Wake Forest University. After 
graduating, he went on to work for 16 years as an assistant district 
attorney before assuming the title of district court judge and 
presiding over the 3A judicial district for 14 years.
  Joe's commitment to Pitt County has been admired by many, including 
myself. In recognition of his extensive record of public service, he 
has been honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine--a prestigious 
award presented to individuals who display a strong dedication to the 
state of North Carolina.
  I join with Joe's wife, Mary; his two sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff 
and Caroline and Brian and Kristen; and his three grandchildren in 
congratulating him on his many achievements. During my many years of 
friendship with the Blick family, I had the distinct honor of 
nominating Brian to the naval academy, from which he graduated in May 
of 2012.
  John Wesley once said that ``[o]ne of the principal rules of religion 
is to lose no occasion of serving God. And, since he is invisible to 
our eyes, we are to serve him in our neighbor; which he receives as if 
done to himself in person, standing visibly before us.''
  Judge Blick has certainly exemplified this spirit of service, and I 
am confident that his dedication to God, his family, and his community 
will continue as he takes this next step in life's journey. I am 
grateful for Judge Blick's tireless commitment to the Greenville 
community and pleased to have him recognized by the United States 
Congress, an honor which he truly deserves.

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