The Honorable J. William Ditter, Jr.

[Garth Herrick]

Tom's Superior Court Judge is justifiably a hard act to follow, .....but here goes.....

Paraphrasing Judge Ditter at his acceptance of his portrait in the special court session last Thursday, February First, at the United States District Court at Sixth and Market in Philadelphia, he began with this in his most humble tone:

"Three things of certainty, I learned from my late father (a US Congressman who died during WWII): First, you cannot climb a wall that's leaning toward you, Second, you cannot kiss a girl that's leaning away from you, and Third, you cannot with full grace due, accept the praise, and honors that are bestowed upon you in life."

At that, I felt a fleeting kinship with him in that remark and moment; having been singled out several times to stand and bow before the formidable audience of colleague judges, by several speakers ceremonially honoring this elder judge. An humbling awkward feeling, indeed!

Judge Ditter is yet an avid skiier, even at eighty-five! I just would not let him include his ski poles in the portrait, for fear they might denote some sort of crutch, which would be highly unwarranted! He can be such a wit. I hope that comes through in his portrayal. I really enjoyed getting to know him.

The Honorable J. William Ditter, Jr.
Commissioned by the Historical Society of the United States District Court, for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
oil on linen, 42 by 36 inches, 2006

Garth