Lake County judge retires after life of service

Lake County Associate Judge John J. Scully is stepping down from the bench after a career in public service that lasted more than half a century, court officials announced this week.

"Judge Scully's knowledge of the law, experiences prosecuting and defending, his genuine demeanor, his humbleness, and his assertiveness made him a great judge for the people of Lake County," Chief Judge Jay W. Ukena said in an announcement of the retirement. "We are grateful for his years of service and wish him the best in his retirement."

Scully's public service began when he joined the U.S. Navy in 1965. He was stationed on the USS Hull off the coast of Vietnam from May 1970 to August 1971, providing gunfire support. He was a student at the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law with honors in 1974.

He continued to serve in the Naval Reserve from 1978 to 1999, retiring with the rank of captain. He was assigned to the Judge Advocate General division, specializing in intelligence assignments, and both prosecution and defense work.

He also served as an assistant Lake County state's attorney and assistant U.S. attorney in Chicago, where he prosecuted high-profile cases, including Operation Family Secrets, which targeted mob crimes dating back to 1970.

In 2008, Scully received the John Marshall Award from the U.S. Attorney General, the Department of Justice's highest award for contributions and excellence in legal performance.

Scully served as judge in Lake County's 19th Judicial Circuit for 10 years, presiding over 47 jury trials.

"His lifetime record of achievement speaks volumes about his character and his service in the public arena," Ukena said.