by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Friends and family gathered in ceremonial Courtroom 4 at the Duval County Courthouse Thursday to celebrate a stalwart in the state and local community, former Circuit Court Judge William Durden Jr.
A portrait of Durden was unveiled and will become a part of the collection at the County Courthouse.
“It’s difficult to put into words how proud I’ve been to be a member of (the Fourth Judicial) Circuit,” said Durden. “It is known as the best Circuit in Florida. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without (his wife) Agnes Rosemary.”
Nearly 30 judges attended from three different counties. Former Mayor and General Counsel for the City of Jacksonville Ed Austin, State Attorney Harry Shorstein, current General Counsel Rick Mullaney, retired Circuit Court Judge A.C. Soud, Circuit Court Judge-Elect Adrian Soud and Circuit Court Judge-Elect Jim Daniel were some of the members of the audience.
“I ask you all to aspire to greatness,” said Stephen Durden, Judge Durden’s son, when addressing the judges attending the ceremony, “so when people look at these portraits they will think, ‘That must’ve been a great judge.’”
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