Holiday cheer screeched to a grinding halt on Tuesday morning when word circulated that a recently installed judge for the Fourth District Appellate Court had passed away unexpectedly.
Longtime Sangamon County State's Attorney and Circuit Judge John Schmidt died suddenly Tuesday morning, less than two weeks after starting work as an appellate judge.
Jack Campbell, Director of State Medical Cannabis Program and a longtime fixture at the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office in Springfield, offered fond recollections of Schmidt.
Schmidt recently discussed his excitement with the new assignment.
Supreme Court Justice Rita Garman said she was "shocked and deeply saddened." She called Schmidt "a distinguished judge and a friend ... who will be sorely missed." To honor Schmidt, flags outside the Sangamon County Complex were lowered to half-staff.
