Published: December 24, 2008 08:57 am      

Circuit Judge Peach lays down the gavel

Retiring after more than 30 years on the bench

While Jan. 1 is his last official day in office as Third Judicial Circuit Judge presiding over Hamilton and Madison Counties, Dec. 15 was the final Hamilton County Courtroom date for Judge John Peach. For the judge, it was court day as usual.

Peach was admitted to the Florida Bar Association in 1966, served as Chief County Judge from 1973 to 1978, and has served as Circuit Judge from 1978 to present.

On Jan. 1 Greg Parker will assume the duties of Third Judicial Circuit Judge, with County Judge Sonny Scaff having been sworn in as Acting Circuit Judge. As Acting Circuit Judge, Scaff will be available to hear cases from which Parker may recuse himself.

Also appearing in Hamilton County Court for his last official court date was State Attorney Gary Brown. A successor for Brown has not yet been named.

On Dec. 19, a reception was held in the Courthouse Courtroom in honor of Judge Peach.