Editor's note: This is the second profile of the attorneys known to be running for Jackson County District Court Judge to fill the seat vacated by Judge James Justin. Gov. Rick Snyder will make the appointment.
By Tom Gantert
Legal News
On a wall in Jerry Jarzynka's office is an American flag hanging next to a photo of the Twin Towers, which is next to a photo of the Statue of Liberty, not far from an American flag on his coffee cup.
When asked about his décor, Jackson County's assistant prosecutor replied simply: "I'm proud to be an American."
Jarzynka is one of three attorneys who have announced they are applying for the vacant judgship in the Jackson County District Court. Jarzynka said the process is kept so secretive, that even applicants aren't told how many people applied for the post.
Jarzynka's boss, Jackson County Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Blumer, recalled the time he was walking near a church when the sun come out from behind the clouds, with the steeple as a backdrop. Knowing Jarzynka would like it, he snapped a picture of it.
Jarzynka framed it and hung it in his office.
"He is very devout and I knew he would appreciate the photo," Blumer said. "Jerry is a dedicated member of his church."
Jarzynka has prosecuted some of the most high profile cases in Jackson County. In May of 2011, he obtained guilty verdicts on three suspects involved in the death of 19-year-old Cherie Irving, who was found in her apartment dead of a drug overdose. Her body was then dumped in a creek in Sandstone Township.
Jarzynka said what still stays with him was how two of the suspects, instead of calling police, dealt with the victim's body.
"They dumped the body in the creek with no shoes, wrapped in the blanket," Jarzynka said. "It was a shocking lack of respect."
In February, Jarzynka obtained a guilty verdict in the death of a 3-month-old boy. A jury found Adam Stevens guilty of second-degree murder and first-degree child abuse in the death of his son.
Jarzynka said what stuck with him in that case was "someone that young and innocent lost his life."
Blumer said most attorneys and especially most prosecutors have fiery, high-strung personalities.
But no matter how Jarzynka feels about a particular defendant, Blumer said Jarzynka has always maintained a professional demeanor.
"I have never seen Jerry lose his temper in the seven years I worked with him," Blumer said. "He is extremely even tempered. I think it is an ideal feature for a judicial candidate. He's had some very difficult cases. He just works his way through them and never loses his cool."
After graduating from The University of Toledo College of Law, Jarzynka began his legal career in private practice, handing criminal defense work in Ironwood. He became an assistant prosecutor for Jackson County in 1986. He then worked for the city of Jackson as an assistant prosecutor from 1990-97 before returning to the Jackson County prosecutor's office.
But the seeds to Jarzynka's desire to be a judge go all the way back to his days as a law student in Toledo.
As a judge, Jarzynka said he will still be seeking justice, making sure the law is followed while fulfilling a sense of public duty.
"I've been an attorney for 28 years," he said. "I feel I could perform the role of judge."
Published: Thu, Mar 22, 2012
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