REAL DADS OF THE METRO
Vocation of Service: U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones
BERNARD, MAUTRA, BJ, BRENDAN AND KENNEDY JONES ON THE DAY OF BERNARD’S INVESTITURE AS U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE
“They tell me they’ll even autograph a copy for me,” laughs Bernard Jones, “reminding me where I am in the pecking order.” Even on one of the most important professional days in Jones’ career, punctuated by speeches from fellow U.S. district judges, U.S. Senator James Lankford, former Gov. Mary Fallin and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, Jones indulged his children in sharing the spotlight, speaking praise over them and eagerly inviting their participation in his official robing. BJ, Kennedy and Bernard’s high energy and happy voices in an often stoic courtroom gave the February ceremonial investiture a fittingly celebratory air. One of the youngest of the 12 active judges for the Western District of Oklahoma, Jones received judicial commission on Dec. 31, 2019 after being confirmed by an almost unheard of 91 to 3 vote from the U.S. Senate. Senator James Lankford noted the only votes not in favor of Jones were senators absent while on the presidential campaign trail. Former Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin added that Jones’ nomination by President Trump was met with no opposition, another example of bipartisan support. Jones’ appointment is a testament to his impressive judicial career, including a controversial case involving a high school football playoff game, and his reputation for always ascribing to the rule of the law. But his most noteworthy role has always been husband and dad. As a dad, an attorney and a jurist, Jones has focused his life on how he can best serve others, and he is called to pass that perspective to his three kids. “They have opportunities we didn’t have,” said Jones of his children compared to his and wife Mautra’s childhoods. “I want my children to benefit from that but also want them to realize they have an obligation to be of service to others.”
THE JONES FAMILY JOINS BERNARD AS HE TAKES HIS OATH OF OFFICE.
Though BJ, Kennedy and Brendan Jones watched dad Bernard’s investiture as a United States District Judge with pride, they were quick to remind him they’re famous in their own right, recently featured on MetroFamily’s March 2020 cover.
BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTOS BY FOTO ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY .
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10 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2020
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