Chicoria and the spoiling of wives: a tribute to Judge Greco

The following tribute to the Honorable Justice James Greco (shown at right) was delivered this weekend by Algoma University College Academic Dean Arthur Perlini (left).

Judge Greco was honoured at Convocation 2003 with the AUC Senate’s Honourary Member of Algoma University College Award.

**************************************************************** I am here to introduce a man that needs no introduction, but certainly deserves one. And that man is the Honorable Justice James Greco.

The honor is that of Honorary Member of Algoma University College.

Judge James Greco is currently an Adjunct Professor of Law and Justice at Algoma University College, and lectures in the area of criminal law, private law, family law, sociality and the law, rights in criminal proceedings, torts and contracts, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Judge Greco holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit-Mercy and was appointed to the bench in February 1968; he remains amongst the longest standing provincial court justices in the province of Ontario.

He is a member of the American Judges Association, the Osgoode Society, the Algoma District Law Association and the Canadian Bar Association.

He is a member of the Phi Delta Phi Law Fraternity, the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity and the Canadian Association of Provincial Court Judges.

The University has recognized his outstanding service in the past by awarding him the Algoma University Award for Service to the University and the Community.

He is currently a member of the Board of Governors at the University and has led the University’s Campus Development Committee in its development of plans and the implementation of the many capital structures that exist and will be erected in the next year.

His membership on community boards, such as the Sault Area Hospitals, the Sault Symphony Orchestra, the Sault Fall Festival Association, Women in Crisis, Salvation Army, the General Hospital Foundation Board and the founding member and director of the Advisory Board for the establishment and operation of a Native Diversionary Justice System for the Garden River First Nation.

He has published numerous articles in scholarly legal-journals, such as Criminal Law Quarterly.

What is telling about this man is immediately apparent in a cursory examination of his curriculum vitae, for it boasts not of these accomplishments; rather, it is a telling story of "the judge" as man, not as a hero.

Like the esteemed Frank Paci, who we will honour today at Convocation, James Greco was raised in Sault Ste. Marie by an Italian immigrant family and, of this, I understand because it is an experience that I share.

The man is a man imbued with passion and love, a gift that he was undoubtedly bestowed with, by his family.

He speaks not of Phi Delta Phi Fraternities nor of membership in prestigious law societies.

Instead, he speaks of his loves.

He speaks of matters of the senses rather than those of the intellect - cooking and eating and making delectable wine and picking mushrooms and chicoria.

He names his wife in his resume and details that spoiling her and their grandchildren are notable “interests” of his.

He has taught us that one mustn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; rather one must liberate one hand so as to be able to "pitch" something back.

And this is what we celebrate here today.

What is most apparent to me about this remarkable man is that it is the man that we celebrate not his accomplishments - for without the passion, dedication, love and commitment, no accomplishment would be possible, from him nor anyone else.

Recognizing distinctive and distinguished service to the University and the community, is indeed the purpose of this award.

But the meaning of this award, is different.

And while this award is to recognize his indelible mark - signature, if you will - on the university community, the lives he has touched in his time with us are surely immeasurable.

Like many of us in this room, as a teacher, it is difficult for him to appreciate the impact he has had on his students and colleagues.

And here is the meaning of this award; after all, the greatest of gifts are those without sign nor signature of their benefactor.

He has touched the lives of people he has never met and this is a gift of the highest order.

With heartfelt and profound respect, I congratulate Justice Greco for the award of Honorary Member of AUC.

**************************************************************** Like SooToday's unique approach to local news?

If SooToday.com has ever made you feel proud about your city or someone you know, you owe us one for these many months of free service.

To repay the favour, we ask only that you click here.