There are many setbacks during one’s life; loss of a good friend is at the top of the list. Not long ago we lost Bob Beckham due to heart failure. Recently, Joseph P. Milton passed away due to heart failure.
I attended Joe’s funeral on Saturday, Jan. 10. As I sat listening to the words being spoken in his honor, I thought of the many times Joe and I had enjoyed lunch together at the Desert Rider, just across from the courthouse. We talked of current and past trials, family and life in general.
I had first met Joe sometime in the late ‘70s, I think. We were both involved in defense of what was then SCL Railroad after the merger of Seaboard and Atlantic Coast Line. We bonded right away and thereafter shared pleadings, briefs and ideas. It was of great benefit to us both, probably more to me as I had not yet gained the experience in the FELA (Federal Employers Liability Act) field, but had tried a good number of crossing cases.
Joe was a true leader with the energy and intelligence required to produce results in every organization he held membership. When he was president of The Jacksonville Bar Association, he convinced me to provide a local legal seminar which I did, named a Medico/Legal Seminar.
The first one was at Sawgrass, complete with a hospitality suite, golf and outstanding speakers in both the local legal and medical community. Joe insisted on written materials and the speakers complained but agreed and did so.
The reason I bring that up is Joe did the same as president of the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel. He felt strongly that organizations should provide a working as well as a relaxing time.
My wife and I enjoyed a number of meetings we attended with the Miltons in any number of beautiful locations. Joe, Cela, Dee and I had many pleasant dinners together at meetings of the National Board of the American Board of Trial Lawyers.
We tried to attend as much as possible of a trial by the other. I do not mean every day, but if we happened to be at the courthouse. I was always interested in any observation Joe might have of my performance.
Since I have not been in active practice now for a number of years, those are just memories; unfortunately Joe will now be just a memory.
I will miss you good friend, as will many, many others.