Kane judge was encyclopedia of knowledge

T. Jordan Gallagher, a Kane County judge for the past three years and former two-term DeKalb County State’s Attorney, has died from complications from lung and stomach cancer.

He was 63.

Gallagher, whose first name was Thomas, had been fighting the cancer through chemotherapy and radiation before his death Saturday night at Edward Hospital in Naperville, said friend and attorney Rick Turner, who also served as a law clerk for Gallagher.

Gallagher’s sister in Naperville has been caring for him while he battled the disease.

“He was probably one of the most talented trial lawyers I knew. He taught us how to try cases and he lost very few trials. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the law,” Turner said. “He was a friend to everyone. Even if you were a stranger, you felt like you were friends for a while.”

Gallagher, who lived in Sycamore, was born and grew up in DeKalb County before graduating the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1968 and then the Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1972,

He served as DeKalb County State’s Attorney from 1976 through 1984 before going into private practice.

Said Kurt Klein, presiding judge of DeKalb County: “Jordan Gallagher was the finest man I know. He was my friend, my law partner and my fellow judge. I can’t imagine life without him.”

Gallagher had served as judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit, which serves Kane, DeKalb and Kendall counties, for the past three years.

“He was a friend to many of us in the Kane County state’s attorney’s office and we will miss his friendship, wit and wisdom,” Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said in a written statement. “Judge Gallagher was a man who was committed to the principles of fairness and justice for all.”

F. Keith Brown, chief judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit, said Gallagher was an extremely hardworking judge who was friendly to everyone at the courthouse. Brown said attorneys from both sides wanted to appear before Gallagher because of his intellect, demeanor and common sense. For now, Judge Edward Schreiber will take over Gallagher’s cases.

“(Gallagher) was such a generous person and always did everything with his full heart,” Brown said. “He was always trying to help out.”

Visitation arrangements are pending but will be held by the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 p.m. Thursday at the Church of St. Mary, 244 Watermann St., Sycamore.