John James Tobin

Obituary John J. Tobin (Jack) retired Municipal Judge for the city of Fort Collins, passed away at the age of 93 on June 24, 2016 after a lengthy illness. John was born on August 16, 1922 in Greeley Colorado to Dr. Eugene Tobin[DVM] and Lucy Herring Tobin. He shared his birthday with his cousin, Doris Sarchet Atkinson Bice. When he was born Doris thought that he was her birthday present for her 6th birthday! He has pioneer family roots in Fort Collins dating back to 1867. His grandfather purchased a section of land from John Provost near Bingham Hill which is the subject of a book written by Rose Brinks From Provost to Brinks. His Uncle Ted and Uncle Cam Herring owned Teds Place as well as another station near Laporte. John graduated from Greeley High in 1940 and upon his graduation entered Colorado University in Boulder. While at CU he joined the wrestling team and for his summer job, his coach secured employment for he and few other wrestlers at the Leadville mines using the smart end of a shovel. Not only was the pay decent, but the physical labor kept the team in shape. In 1943 he entered the Army Air Corp OCS. He was commissioned and assigned as a pilot of p47s. His tour began in North Africa then to Italy and finally Austria. He flew 65 missions and received the Air Medal with 2 clusters as well as the Distinguished flying cross. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a First Lieutenant. John then continued his education at C.U. He graduated in 1948 with his Juris Doctorate Degree. In 1948, he married Edie Dee and began his law practice in Fort Collins with his Uncle Fancher Sarchet. In 1951, he was appointed as Municipal Judge for the City of Fort Collins and held that position until his retirement in 1989. He always enjoyed the stories he would hear, albeit some more than others. He always said "if you can tell me a reason that I have never heard before, I will dismiss the charge". To no one's recollection did that ever happen. John was a major influence and contributor to the growth and stability of Fort Collins in the number of safety campaigns and the writing of many municipal codes. This is a sampling of his community involvement: Pike Peak Boy Scout advisory committee, Junior Chamber of Commerce board of Directors, Fort Collins Youth Baseball President, Elks Lodge 804 Exalted Ruler and Life member, Elks District Deputy, Elks lodge Trustee, President Fort Collins Jaycees, Larimer County Bar Association, Colorado Municipal Judges Association, Treasurer of American Judges Association (6 years), President of St. Joseph church council, Volunteer St. Joseph Catholic Church, Founding member Fort Collins Country Club, President of Fort Collins Meals on Wheels program (6 years), PTO president Dunn School and Lincoln Jr. High, Salvation Army board member, Pro Bono legal work for many families in the community. In 1989, John was honored by the American Judges association with the Judge William H. Burnett Award for Outstanding Service to the Association. In 1990, John was honored with the Conrad Ball award which is awarded to a person who has significantly contributed toward improving the quality of criminal justice in the County. In his spare time (ha), John enjoyed golf and had 2 holes in one-which his family never heard the end of. He and Edie were members of many bridge groups and he enjoyed many card games including beating his family members at cribbage and gin. He was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors and sharing those times with family. John and Edie visited all 50 states as well as Mexico, Panama canal, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Preceding John in passing are his parents and his brother Dr. William (Bill) Tobin(DVM) . John Is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Edie, his children John Jr., Bob, and Mary, 7 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grandchildren. Thanks for the life well lived and the giving of yourself to our community and your family. Well done!!! Services will be held on Thursday June 30th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Collins with internment at Grandview Cemetery at 2 p.m. In Lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in Johns name may be made to the American Lung Association, Pathways Hospice, the Charity of your choice. SERVICES Funeral Service Thursday, June 30, 2016 10:00 AM St. Joseph's Catholic Church 300 W. Mountain Avenue Fort Collins, Colorado 80521 Read More Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of John James Tobin