Kosciusko Superior Court 1 Judge David Cates

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

WARSAW —  The Kosciusko County Judicial community has suffered a devastating loss with the unexpected passing of Kosciusko Superior Court 1 Judge David C. Cates Wednesday evening, Dec. 9.

Cates, who became Superior Court 1 Judge in Kosciusko County in 2014, resided in Syracuse with his wife, Kim.

“Obviously I was in complete shock,” said county commissioner Brad Jackson Thursday morning.

“Our history goes way back to before he was a judge. He wrote up the contract 25 years ago that my company still uses to this day to build houses,” Jackson said. “He wasn’t just someone I worked with — he was a friend. I’m going to miss him. He was a lot more than a judge.”

Others in the legal community also shared their thoughts.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Judge Cates. He had an incredible legal mind and he was a truly exceptional judge. His absence will be felt by the county and by the Bar,” Attorney Chad Miner said. “And, personally, I will miss his friendship and his warm and kind spirit very much.”

Prior to serving as a judge, Cates worked as an attorney. He belonged to numerous organizations in the area and was deeply involved with local court programs, including Kosciusko County Teen Court, Kosciusko Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) and Kosciusko County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

“David was not only a great mentor but also a great friend. He was not only a leader in the legal field but also in the community,” said Attorney Andrew Grossnickle. “He will be missed by so many people but his good work in the community will have a positive lasting effect for a long time. I’m very grateful to have known and learned from such a great person.”

Various entities stepped forward with condolences.

A post on the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page read: “The men and women of the KCSO express our deepest condolences to the friends and family of the Honorable Superior Court 1 Judge David C. Cates who passed away unexpectedly last evening.”

Jason Gergely, CASA Board President and Erin Rowland Jones, CASA Executive Director, made the following statement: “CASA of Kosciusko County, its staff, Board of Directors and volunteers are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Judge David Cates.  Judge Cates was a zealous supporter of CASA. He made a tremendous impact not only in the lives of vulnerable children but on our community as a whole. Judge Cates tragic loss will be felt by the entire community. Our thoughts and prayers for strength and peace go out to his wife, sons, family and friends.”

A lengthy statement was released from Kosciusko County Prosector Dan Hampton as well.

“On behalf of myself and Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Brad Voelz, we offer the following thoughts and comments to briefly commemorate our friend and colleague, David C. Cates.

Hampton said that prior to taking the bench, Cates was a “superior general practitioner.”

His knowledge covered vast areas of the law by which his clients found refuge. He was a respected adversary in the courtroom. He was an advisor and mentor to many attorneys.

Hampton described Cates as being firm and fair. Trustworthy. Decisive and strong.

Judge Cates promoted new ways in making our justice system better, Hampton said.

He dedicated himself to safeguarding individual rights, designing effective alternatives to address juvenile behavior and actively monitoring the effectiveness and efficiency of all the programs in our criminal justice system. 

“On behalf of the KC Prosecuting Attorney’s office family, we are extremely saddened by his passing and send our heartfelt condolences to Kim and the entire Cates family. Our community will long feel the loss of the Honorable David C. Cates — an exemplary jurist and a great man,” Hampton said.