Court News
July 13, 2006
Supreme Court Employee Remembered for Dedication to Improving Ohio Court Technology
James J. Mendel, a Supreme Court of Ohio technology services program manager, died July 8 at his home in Groveport, Ohio. He was 59.
As a technology services program manager, Jim traveled to Ohio courts, helping them purchase new technology systems. During his 16-year tenure at the Court, Jim personally visited and provided information technology assistance to more than half of the courts in the state.
“Jim was always helpful in all areas of technology, but was most helpful when assisting in the courts around the state,” said Supreme Court of Ohio Administrative Director Steven C. Hollon. “He worked diligently to make sure every court was up to date when purchasing new systems.”
Jim was instrumental in developing technology assistance programs that directly benefited local courts and the Supreme Court, and bringing the best of what the industry has to offer to Ohio courts while maintaining the belief of Ohio citizens in the justice system. His hard work and dedication to the field helped advance Ohio to a national leadership role in state court technology systems.
He is remembered by those who worked closely with him for his passion and commitment to the courts and the unique sense of humor he brought to the workplace. He never hesitated to compliment a colleague on a job well done and always made sure that fellow employees received recognition for their hard work.
“I always considered him to be one of my closest colleagues here,” said Supreme Court Director of Judicial & Court Services Doug Stephens, who joined the Court just one week after Jim in 1990. “What I admired most about Jim was the sincerity he expressed while visiting courts across the state and his philosophy that no matter what we do here or who we are, it is never about us – it is about the institution – the Court. Everything Jim did was based on those two beliefs.”
He served in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughters, Jennifer (Dennis) Pascua, Sarah and Catherine; son, Joseph (Deanna); granddaughters, Britney and Kirsten; and sisters, Christine (Doug Perkins) Mendel and Martha (Frank) Jelenic. His funeral service is this morning in Columbus.
Donations may be made in Jim's memory to the Capital Area Humane Society, 3015 Scioto-Darby Executive Court, Hilliard, Ohio 43026 or the Golden Endings Golden Retriever Rescue Society, 100 Beech St., Pomeroy, Ohio 45769.
