Stephen Jackson Jr. becomes newest 6th Judicial District Judge

Stephen Jackson Sr. said Friday he knew his son was going to make a good judge someday after he assessed his own unruly behavior and discipline as a sixth grader.

He said his son Stephen Jackson Jr., about 12 at the time, told him “I know I get upset sometimes” but he felt his punishment of being sent to his room was bit unfair.

“He was right,” Jackson Sr. said laughing after his son was sworn in as the newest 6th Judicial District judge. “He's objective and fair – those will serve him well.”

Stephen Jackson Jr., 44, who was law partners with his father at Jackson & Jackson in Cedar Rapids, fills the vacancy left by Judge Kristin Hibbs who retired this year after 22 years.

Judge Jackson, received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and his law degree from the University of Iowa Law School.

Following law school, he joined the firm Rudnick & Wolfe, Chicago, where he practiced until 1994. He then returned to Iowa to join his father's practice and became a partner with his father in 2001.

“I'm excited and honored,” Judge Jackson said. “This is an amazing opportunity and I promise to work hard and do my very best.”

Judge Jackson said during the ceremony he has been consistently impressed by the judges in the district and in light of the recent events – the retention election – has gained more respect for them, and for their diligence and hard work.

“They (other judges) have set the example to do the right thing and are inspiring,” Judge Jackson said.

Judge Jackson thanked his father and mother Kay, wife Maggie and 12-year-old son Will for supporting him.

“I will miss practicing with my dad,” Judge Jackson said choking up and had to stop and compose himself.

His father off to the side was also tearing up listening to his son.

“I'm better off for having practiced with him,” Stephen Jackson Sr. said later.

Jeff Smith, a close friend from Chicago, said said he wasn't surprised Jackson's career took this path.

“He was the one friend who you could count on and who would follow through – total reliability,” Smith said.

Ellen Collins, his aunt from Elkader, said her nephew was always “particular and he could see through the mire.” She said he's is a taskmaster but also has a great sense of humor.

Will Jackson, 12, agreed saying his dad likes a good joke but is a disciplinarian, so he knows he will make a good judge. When asked what judge like qualities his dad possesses, he cited “fairness and integrity,”

Judge Marsha Beckelman said Jackson has come before her many times as a lawyer and she has a great deal of respect for him as a person and a lawyer. He will make a good judge for the district, she said.