L'dor V'dor on the Bench

By Kellie Smith, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

Looking back on a law career that spans five decades, Jerry Funk fondly remembers where his working days began—back in his North Georgia hometown, alongside his father in the textile mills as a young teen, often being assigned the hardest and dirtiest jobs. This instilled the work ethic for which he would be admired in the years to come.

After earning his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, Jerry and his wife, Maxine, moved to Jacksonville, where they raised their daughter Amy and built a wonderful life in this community. After several years as a solo practitioner, Funk diversified his practice and went into partnership with attorney Mark Green. Mark shared his fondness for Jerry, stating that he was an incredibly devoted husband and father, but what stood out most to him was his easygoing nature and mild-mannered approach to work and life. For 17 years, the two practiced law together, and in all those years, Mark said they never once had a disagreement or a fight.

Jerry applied to become a bankruptcy judge in 1992 and was appointed to the bench in 1993. “It was tough, but it turned out to be the best job I’ve ever had,” he said. The Honorable Jerry Funk went on to preside over many high-profile cases, including the Chapter 11 reorganization of Winn-Dixie Stores, the personal bankruptcy of former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell, and the liquidation of Jacksonville-based Stein Mart, a longtime staple of our Jewish community.

As a judge, his demeanor was greatly appreciated by the attorneys who practiced in his court. Funk was known for his ability to disarm those around him with his modesty, humility and a profound Southern intellect. “I take my job seriously, but I don’t take myself seriously. You have to maintain a sense humor,” he said. In his personal life, Jerry is a proud father and grandfather, avid runner, reader and a great friend to many.

After graduating from the same Alma Mater as his predecessor, Jacob “Jay” Brown became Funk’s Law Clerk in 1998. When asked why Funk chose Brown to be his Clerk, he said “the kid was smart, there was something special about him and he could make pickled eggs.” Now, two decades later, Jay will succeed him on the bench.

Reflecting on the impact of Jerry’s guidance over these past 21 years, Jay said, “I will be forever grateful for my clerkship with Judge Funk and his mentorship thereafter. He inspired me to be a great lawyer, serve others and the community as he always did himself with a kind spirit and great sense of humor. In my new role as his successor, he checks in on me almost daily and continues to inspire me to be a great judge.”

With an unwavering work ethic and a strong commitment to mentoring the next generation, Jerry retires only to embark on a three-year term of reserve status. During this time, Judge Funk will remain down the hall from his colleagues and prodigy, the Honorable Jacob “Jay” Brown — exemplifying the practice of l’dor v’dor by continuing to invest both personally and professionally in the success of those who will follow him.

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