A graduate of the University of Georgia and Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jerry Funk was appointed to the bench in the Middle District of Florida in November 1993.
Who inspired you to become a lawyer? My business law professor at college.
Who inspires you now? My current and former colleagues on the bankruptcy bench.
How do you relate your undergraduate degree to your practice as an attorney and on the bench? I majored in business administration. A substantial part of my law practice was business related so my understanding of business principles, agency relations and accounting served me well. Those concepts also have repeatedly arisen during my time on the bench.
What community service have you pursued and why? I believe we all have a responsibility to give back. I served on the board of directors at my synagogue and on the board of Pine Castle, an organization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I also performed pro bono work through legal aid.
What is your favorite book? “Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult. I enjoy reading John Grisham, David Baldacci and James Patterson.
Do you have any special talents? I am an avid runner and have completed several marathons and half marathons and numerous River Runs. Also, I’ve been told (by my law clerk) that I’m very funny.
What is your favorite movie? I have two favorites movies: “Spanish Prisoner” with Steve Martin and “My Cousin Vinny.”
If you weren’t a judge what do you think you’d be? I cannot, and do not want to, imagine.
Have you traveled anywhere exotic? I’m not sure what “exotic” means (in this context) but I have traveled to England, France, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Russia, Germany, Finland and Sweden.
What’s your favorite food? Fried chicken
What’s your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving