Celebrating the life of
Judge John Francis Nangle
June 08, 1922 - August 24, 2008
John Francis "Jack" Nangle United States District Judge John Francis Nangle, a long-time resident of St. Louis, MO, died August 24, 2008, in Savannah, Georgia. He was born in St. Louis on June 8, 1922 and lived there until moving to Savannah in 1990.
Judge Nangle earned an Associates' Degree from Harris Teachers College, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the Univ. of Missouri, and a Juris Doctorate from Washington Univ. Law School. Both Harris Teachers College now Harris-Stowe State Univ. and Washington Univ. Law School later named him their "Most Distinguished Alumnus."
Judge Nangle enlisted in the Army and served over three years active duty during World War II, achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant. Thereafter, he served in the Army Reserve for 14 years retiring as a Captain, J.A.G.C.
For twenty-five years, Judge Nangle engaged in the private practice of law in the St. Louis area, earning a reputation as a capable and honorable lawyer. He was also active in numerous civic organizations as well as local, state, and national Republican politics.
In 1973, President Richard Nixon appointed him as a Judge of the US District Court, Eastern District of Missouri. From 1983 to 1990, he served as Chief Judge of the District while also serving three terms as the elected District Judge Representative to the Judicial Conference of the US. He also served on the Eighth Circuit's Judicial Council, numerous special committees, and accepted many special assignments. He sat by designation on both the Eighth and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeal, and was appointed by Chief Justice Rehnquist to Chair the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, a position he held for 10 years. Judge Nangle became a Senior Judge in 1990 and transferred to the Southern District of Georgia, Savannah Division.
During his thirty-five years on the federal bench, Judge Nangle presided over many important cases, most recently the BankAmerica Securities Corp. Litigation, a multi-district securities fraud class action that settled for $490 million.
Jack Nangle was man of great humor, intellect, and fortitude, dedicated to public service and devoted to his family, his friends, and his sport - tennis. He was a teacher, a scholar, an innovator, a student of American History, and a role model to all who knew him. His zest for life and passion for justice are legendary. He is predeceased by his parents Sylvester A. and Thelma Nangle, his sister Jeanne Nangle Kaley, and his first wife, Andrea Urseth Nangle. He is survived by his wife, Jane Adams Nangle, his son John F. Nangle, Jr., and step-children Marthajane Caldwell and James E. Caldwell, Jr. Sharon as well as one grandchild Leo Caldwell. Also surviving are his nieces Terri Kraft David, Beth Francisco Paul, and Lynne Kaley, seven great-nieces and nephews and numerous other family members.
There will be a memorial service at Skidaway Island United Methodist Church in Savannah on Saturday, August 30, 2008, at 1:00 PM, and a private graveside service in St. Louis, MO.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to PineWoods Savannah, Inc. 1149 Cornell Ave., Suite 3-A, Savannah, GA 31406, or to the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression NARSAD, 60 Cutter Mill Road, Suite 404, Great Neck, NY 11021.
While Judge Nangle was well respected my memory is of a man who used his influence to get his son into a mental institution & later freedom after he brutally murdered my friend Theresa Crowe with an ax. Anyone else would have gone to prison.
- Robert Zack, St Louis, MO
Mrs. Nangle, I was so sorry to hear of Judge Nangle's death. I enjoyed him so very much and we shared many enjoyable visits. I shall miss him on my return visits to Savannah, and the Federal Building.
- Henry and Dollie Crumley, Jr., Omega, GA
Dear Jane, I will always remember The Judge for his kindness to me. He was a good man and was always helpful to me. He will be missed. May God bless and keep you. With deepest sympathy. Millie Adams
- Millie Adams, St. Louis, MO
Jane, Although no words can ease the loss you and your family bear, still may you find some comfort in the thought that others care. May God give you and your family the strength to carry on in this difficult time.
- Jim & Verna Chapman, Savannah, GA
Jane, We were so saddened to hear of Jack's passing. We regret that we are unable to personally pay our respects to you and your family, but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. I always enjoyed any opportunity I had to play tennis with Jack and I considered him to be not only a friend, but one of my tennis 'mentors'. He will be missed by many. Sincerely, Ron and Madeline Thompson Savannah, GA
- Ron and Madeline Thompson, Savannah, GA
Dear Mrs.Nangle,the members of the Bench and Bar have lost a fine gentleman.Judge Nangle was firm and fair and Chatham County was very fortunate to have both of you select this area to spend his final days here.My sympathy to you and the family.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
My condolences go out to Mrs. Nangle and the entire family for the loss of your loved one. Judge Nangle and Jane attended my retirement party when I retired as Chief Deputy Clerk of US District Court and I was so appreciative they took the time to come. The Judge was always quick to compliment me even for the smallest task that I did. The Courthouse family has lost a great friend and I will indeed miss him when I visit there.
- Leeneda T. Thomas, Richmond Hill, GA
Judge Nangle was truly a wonderful person. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. May the Lord give you the strength to carry on through such a difficult time.
- Kathy White, Savannah, GA
It was an honor, privilege and pleasure to start my legal career with a judicial clerkship with Judge Nangle. Although it was many years ago, I still remember many of the cases on which we worked. I am saddened by his passing; but know that he will be remembered by the many lawyers whose careers he influenced and guided.
- Roger Herman, St. Louis, MO
My deepest and most sincere condolences go out to the Nangle family. The Judge was the best mentor, teacher and friend a young law clerk could ask for. Working for the Judge was one of the best experiences of my life, and I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity. He was a fantastic Judge and an even better man. Judge Nangle will be missed.
- Melissa E. O'Boyle, Norfolk, VA
JACK NANGLE WAS ONE OF THE FINEST MEN I HAVE EVER KNOWN. HE WAS RESPECTED BY ALL AND LOVED BY MANY. HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND, NEIGHBOR, AND A WONDERFUL JUDGE. HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY HIS LEGIONS OF FRIENDS IN ST. LOUIS
- CHARLES DUNCKER, ST. LOUIS, MO
Judge Nangle was a good man and an unforgettable Judge. Our sympathy, prayers and codolences go out to his family and friends.
- Greg & Cindy Hodges, Savannah, GA
I am sorry for your loss. Judge Nangle was a great man. Once, when i had to appear in court, someone asked me who the judge was going to be. I said John Nangle. He said I was very lucky. This morning, when i read the obituaries to my elderly father, he perked up when I mentioned that the Honorable Judge had passed. My dad exclaimed that he had gone to school with him, and had very pleasant memories of him. Then dad went into the other room. He returned with his grade school Memory Book. In it was a picture of the judge at about age 13. Jack Nangle wrote this ditty in dad's book: When you get old and kiss at the gate, Love is blind but the neighbors ain't. Thought this might bring a smile in your time of sorrow. My dad's name is Ray.Ramon in grade school days
- Bob Bainter, Saint Louis, MO
We're very sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We've moved into the Gatesworth. Our address is now 1 McKnight Place, 63124, and our phone, 314-989-9787 Dorothea is confined to a wheelchair, but is otherwise fine. I'm still going to the office 4 days a week, but will take off any time you come to town, if you will just give us a ring, for lunch or dinner with the Ainsworths and the Desloges, if you like. Don and Taylor and I meet once a month for lunch and our wives join us when we eat here at the Gatesworth. We'd love to see you.
- Phil and Dorothea Polster, St. Louis, MO
I was one of the many who were fortunate enough to be a law clerk for Judge Nangle. He was a great man, a wonderful judge, an unparalleled teacher, and a person of great integrity. I learned more from Judge Nangle than I ever did in law school. He will be greatly missed.
- Melanie Winskie Crowe, Atlanta, GA
I had the great pleasure of knowing Judge Nangle for 25 years. He was a profound jurist, and a man of conviction. The federal judiciary has lost one of its best.
- Tracey Elbein, St. Louis, MO
DEAREST JACK.OUR FAMILY LOVED AND RESPECTED YOU. WHAT A MAN. SILK SHIRTS, TENNIS BUM, AND THE BEST JUDGE EVER. I PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY DURING THEIR GRIEF LOVE SANDY DNCKER
- SANDY DUNCKER, ST. LOUIS, MO
DEAREST JACK.OUR FAMILY LOVED AND RESPECTED YOU. WHAT A MAN. SILK SHIRTS, TENNIS BUM, AND THE BEST JUDGE EVER. I PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY DURING THEIR GRIEF LOVE SANDY DUNCKER
- SANDY DUNCKER, ST. LOUIS, MO
Jane, Elaine and I were so very sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
- Kenneth W. Wood, Valdese, NC
With great admiration and respect for Judge Nangle and Jane.
- Steve and Anne Limbaugh, St. Louis, MO
I will miss Judge Nangle. We shared a love of tennis. Any time I would bring a check down to his office, he would call me in and discuss the game of tennis. He even honored me one time by coming out and watching me play at Franklin Creek. Judge Nangle was a great man and will be missed.
- Ray Stalvey, Savannah, GA
Jane, how many wonderful years you had with the Judge. He was such a kind and smart man, and he loved you dearly. You could see that in his eyes every time he looked at you or spoke of you. He was indeed a wonderful teacher, friend, husband, father, Judge, and many other things. He will be missed sorely by many communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Love, Nannette, Joe and Becky Cafiero
- Nannette, Joe and Becky Cafiero, Savannah, GA
Dear Mrs. Nangle, I met you once at the reception in St. Louis for THE JUDGE, but felt I knew you. You were as warm and sincere as Jack and made a beautiful couple. My parents, Rose and Louis Rick, were dear friends of Jack and I had the pleasure of growing up in Brentwood where our families all attended the same church and social functions. Jack was a wonderful person and it makes me proud to be able to call him my friend. God Bless you and yours, we all will miss that wonderful man with the beautiful smile.
- Betty Lou Rick Dilthey, St. Louis, MO
He will be missed by all of us. I always enjoyed his kind words.
- John Howard, Savannah, GA
To the Nangle family my thoughts and prayers are with you. I had the pleasure of working with Judge Nangle while employed with District Court in Savannah. I will never forget his kindness toward me and those beautiful blue eyes. My description of Judge Nangle was always one word 'Dapper'.
- Nicole Thomas, Villa Rica, GA
Dear Jane Please accept our deepest sympathy on Judge Nangle's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, John, Marthajane and your entire family at this difficut time.
- Ed & Lissa Alvarez, Savannah, GA
My condolences go out to the family of Judge Nangle.
- Leonard Green, US Court Security, Savannah, GA
He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Lori Miller-Taylor, St. Louis, MO
Judge Nangle was a real friend to the US Probation and Pretrial Services Office and would often stop by Pretrial Services when he was in St. Louis just to say hi. He will be greatly missed...
- Gene Kain, St. Louis, MO
I always valued Judge Nangle's sage advice and thoughtful guidance and will miss his wry sense of humor and strong support during hard times.
- Jim Behm, St. Louis, MO
I had the pleasure of growing up with Judge Nangle. And to this day I will always cherish those memories. He was a man that had great advice, a man that could out run and out play anyone I knew, and was just an all around great individual. I am Honored to have had the pleasure of knowing Judge Nangle, he will be missed. Jane, our thoughts and prayers are with you, John, Marthajane and your entire family during this difficult time.
- Caryn King, Savannah, GA
I had the pleasure of working for the Honorable John F. Nangle as his Courtroom Deputy for l7 years and knew him to be admired by all attorneys who tried their cases before him. In our first staff meeting with Judge Nangle he stated that he wanted to be the best Judge on the Federal Bench, and he did just that. He always welcomed me with open arms each time I visited him in Savannah, and I will remember him always. To Jane and John, and family, I want you to know that the Honorable John F. Nangle was Number 1 in my book and will never be forgotten. Sincerely, Earl M. Raney 288 3C Windsor Bay Dr Camdenton, Mo, 65020
- Earl M. Raney, Camdenton, Mo, MO
While Judge Nangle was well respected my memory is of a man who used his influence to get his son into a mental institution & later freedom after he brutally murdered my friend Theresa Crowe with an ax. Anyone else would have gone to prison.
- Robert Zack, St Louis, MO
Mrs. Nangle, I was so sorry to hear of Judge Nangle's death. I enjoyed him so very much and we shared many enjoyable visits. I shall miss him on my return visits to Savannah, and the Federal Building.
- Henry and Dollie Crumley, Jr., Omega, GA
Dear Jane, I will always remember The Judge for his kindness to me. He was a good man and was always helpful to me. He will be missed. May God bless and keep you. With deepest sympathy. Millie Adams
- Millie Adams, St. Louis, MO
Jane, Although no words can ease the loss you and your family bear, still may you find some comfort in the thought that others care. May God give you and your family the strength to carry on in this difficult time.
- Jim & Verna Chapman, Savannah, GA
Jane, We were so saddened to hear of Jack's passing. We regret that we are unable to personally pay our respects to you and your family, but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. I always enjoyed any opportunity I had to play tennis with Jack and I considered him to be not only a friend, but one of my tennis 'mentors'. He will be missed by many. Sincerely, Ron and Madeline Thompson Savannah, GA
- Ron and Madeline Thompson, Savannah, GA
Dear Mrs.Nangle,the members of the Bench and Bar have lost a fine gentleman.Judge Nangle was firm and fair and Chatham County was very fortunate to have both of you select this area to spend his final days here.My sympathy to you and the family.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
My condolences go out to Mrs. Nangle and the entire family for the loss of your loved one. Judge Nangle and Jane attended my retirement party when I retired as Chief Deputy Clerk of US District Court and I was so appreciative they took the time to come. The Judge was always quick to compliment me even for the smallest task that I did. The Courthouse family has lost a great friend and I will indeed miss him when I visit there.
- Leeneda T. Thomas, Richmond Hill, GA
Judge Nangle was truly a wonderful person. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. May the Lord give you the strength to carry on through such a difficult time.
- Kathy White, Savannah, GA
It was an honor, privilege and pleasure to start my legal career with a judicial clerkship with Judge Nangle. Although it was many years ago, I still remember many of the cases on which we worked. I am saddened by his passing; but know that he will be remembered by the many lawyers whose careers he influenced and guided.
- Roger Herman, St. Louis, MO
My deepest and most sincere condolences go out to the Nangle family. The Judge was the best mentor, teacher and friend a young law clerk could ask for. Working for the Judge was one of the best experiences of my life, and I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity. He was a fantastic Judge and an even better man. Judge Nangle will be missed.
- Melissa E. O'Boyle, Norfolk, VA
JACK NANGLE WAS ONE OF THE FINEST MEN I HAVE EVER KNOWN. HE WAS RESPECTED BY ALL AND LOVED BY MANY. HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND, NEIGHBOR, AND A WONDERFUL JUDGE. HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY HIS LEGIONS OF FRIENDS IN ST. LOUIS
- CHARLES DUNCKER, ST. LOUIS, MO
Judge Nangle was a good man and an unforgettable Judge. Our sympathy, prayers and codolences go out to his family and friends.
- Greg & Cindy Hodges, Savannah, GA
I am sorry for your loss. Judge Nangle was a great man. Once, when i had to appear in court, someone asked me who the judge was going to be. I said John Nangle. He said I was very lucky. This morning, when i read the obituaries to my elderly father, he perked up when I mentioned that the Honorable Judge had passed. My dad exclaimed that he had gone to school with him, and had very pleasant memories of him. Then dad went into the other room. He returned with his grade school Memory Book. In it was a picture of the judge at about age 13. Jack Nangle wrote this ditty in dad's book: When you get old and kiss at the gate, Love is blind but the neighbors ain't. Thought this might bring a smile in your time of sorrow. My dad's name is Ray.Ramon in grade school days
- Bob Bainter, Saint Louis, MO
We're very sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We've moved into the Gatesworth. Our address is now 1 McKnight Place, 63124, and our phone, 314-989-9787 Dorothea is confined to a wheelchair, but is otherwise fine. I'm still going to the office 4 days a week, but will take off any time you come to town, if you will just give us a ring, for lunch or dinner with the Ainsworths and the Desloges, if you like. Don and Taylor and I meet once a month for lunch and our wives join us when we eat here at the Gatesworth. We'd love to see you.
- Phil and Dorothea Polster, St. Louis, MO
I was one of the many who were fortunate enough to be a law clerk for Judge Nangle. He was a great man, a wonderful judge, an unparalleled teacher, and a person of great integrity. I learned more from Judge Nangle than I ever did in law school. He will be greatly missed.
- Melanie Winskie Crowe, Atlanta, GA
I had the great pleasure of knowing Judge Nangle for 25 years. He was a profound jurist, and a man of conviction. The federal judiciary has lost one of its best.
- Tracey Elbein, St. Louis, MO
DEAREST JACK.OUR FAMILY LOVED AND RESPECTED YOU. WHAT A MAN. SILK SHIRTS, TENNIS BUM, AND THE BEST JUDGE EVER. I PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY DURING THEIR GRIEF LOVE SANDY DNCKER
- SANDY DUNCKER, ST. LOUIS, MO
DEAREST JACK.OUR FAMILY LOVED AND RESPECTED YOU. WHAT A MAN. SILK SHIRTS, TENNIS BUM, AND THE BEST JUDGE EVER. I PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY DURING THEIR GRIEF LOVE SANDY DUNCKER
- SANDY DUNCKER, ST. LOUIS, MO
Jane, Elaine and I were so very sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
- Kenneth W. Wood, Valdese, NC
With great admiration and respect for Judge Nangle and Jane.
- Steve and Anne Limbaugh, St. Louis, MO
I will miss Judge Nangle. We shared a love of tennis. Any time I would bring a check down to his office, he would call me in and discuss the game of tennis. He even honored me one time by coming out and watching me play at Franklin Creek. Judge Nangle was a great man and will be missed.
- Ray Stalvey, Savannah, GA
Jane, how many wonderful years you had with the Judge. He was such a kind and smart man, and he loved you dearly. You could see that in his eyes every time he looked at you or spoke of you. He was indeed a wonderful teacher, friend, husband, father, Judge, and many other things. He will be missed sorely by many communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Love, Nannette, Joe and Becky Cafiero
- Nannette, Joe and Becky Cafiero, Savannah, GA
Dear Mrs. Nangle, I met you once at the reception in St. Louis for THE JUDGE, but felt I knew you. You were as warm and sincere as Jack and made a beautiful couple. My parents, Rose and Louis Rick, were dear friends of Jack and I had the pleasure of growing up in Brentwood where our families all attended the same church and social functions. Jack was a wonderful person and it makes me proud to be able to call him my friend. God Bless you and yours, we all will miss that wonderful man with the beautiful smile.
- Betty Lou Rick Dilthey, St. Louis, MO
He will be missed by all of us. I always enjoyed his kind words.
- John Howard, Savannah, GA
To the Nangle family my thoughts and prayers are with you. I had the pleasure of working with Judge Nangle while employed with District Court in Savannah. I will never forget his kindness toward me and those beautiful blue eyes. My description of Judge Nangle was always one word 'Dapper'.
- Nicole Thomas, Villa Rica, GA
Dear Jane Please accept our deepest sympathy on Judge Nangle's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, John, Marthajane and your entire family at this difficut time.
- Ed & Lissa Alvarez, Savannah, GA
My condolences go out to the family of Judge Nangle.
- Leonard Green, US Court Security, Savannah, GA
He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Lori Miller-Taylor, St. Louis, MO
Judge Nangle was a real friend to the US Probation and Pretrial Services Office and would often stop by Pretrial Services when he was in St. Louis just to say hi. He will be greatly missed...
- Gene Kain, St. Louis, MO
I always valued Judge Nangle's sage advice and thoughtful guidance and will miss his wry sense of humor and strong support during hard times.
- Jim Behm, St. Louis, MO
I had the pleasure of growing up with Judge Nangle. And to this day I will always cherish those memories. He was a man that had great advice, a man that could out run and out play anyone I knew, and was just an all around great individual. I am Honored to have had the pleasure of knowing Judge Nangle, he will be missed. Jane, our thoughts and prayers are with you, John, Marthajane and your entire family during this difficult time.
- Caryn King, Savannah, GA
I had the pleasure of working for the Honorable John F. Nangle as his Courtroom Deputy for l7 years and knew him to be admired by all attorneys who tried their cases before him. In our first staff meeting with Judge Nangle he stated that he wanted to be the best Judge on the Federal Bench, and he did just that. He always welcomed me with open arms each time I visited him in Savannah, and I will remember him always. To Jane and John, and family, I want you to know that the Honorable John F. Nangle was Number 1 in my book and will never be forgotten. Sincerely, Earl M. Raney 288 3C Windsor Bay Dr Camdenton, Mo, 65020
- Earl M. Raney, Camdenton, Mo, MO
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
