It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Jan Leslie. Jan Leslie came to the Circuit with Judge Jack Cook, whom she had worked with in private practice. She served as a Judicial Assistant, first starting in October 1981, with Judge Cook until close to Judge Cook's retirement (retirement date: April 2011). After many enjoyable years of working as a team with Judge Cook, Jan transitioned to enjoyable years of working as a team with Judge Glenn Kelley, until she retired on May 31, 2015. Jan served 34 years as a stellar Judicial Assistant. Both Judge Cook and Judge Kelley have stated that Jan helped them be a better judge.
Jan was a dear person, well-liked by the Judges, Judicial Assistants, court staff, clerks, and attorneys—basically anyone who interacted with her--due to her kind and friendly demeanor and her willingness to help out wherever needed. Her dedication to, and her excellence in her role as a Judicial Assistant was recognized on February 10, 2015 when she received an Excellence Award for Judicial Assistant for the quarter ending December 2014. Please keep Jan's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.