From classroom to courtroom: Imes ready for new role
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MIFFLINTOWN -- Over the past two decades, Joshua Imes has not just been a teacher, he's been a difference maker to students in the Juniata County School District.
Imes taught social studies at Tuscarora Junior High School in Mifflintown. Now, he's leaving the classroom to embark on a new journey that will allow him to continue serving residents in a different capacity - as a magisterial district judge.
"I have been a school teacher for going on 20 years, but for many years I was always intrigued about the position of magisterial district judge and how they are not only the initial step in the judiciary process, but they can also be of great importance in many ways to their local community members regarding issues such as civil and traffic matters or even performing a wedding ceremony if need be," explained Imes, a lifelong Juniata County resident.
On Jan. 4, Imes takes over for Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline Leister, who is retiring from the district bench after a distinguished 36-year run. Leister served District 41-3-02, encompassing the Juniata County boroughs of Mifflin and Port Royal and the townships of Beale, Lack, Milford, Spruce Hill, Turbett, Tuscarora and Walker.
Imes has two major priorities while serving as a district judge: advocating for the community's youth; and ensuring the county remains a safe place to live and raise a family. While he's made a difference from his classroom in the past, he believes he can do the same from a courtroom.
"Spending my entire career teaching in Juniata County really helped me prepare for this upcoming role because I had the pleasure of teaching U.S. history, politics and constitutional law, and yet even though I grew up in Juniata County, teaching helped me get to know the people from all walks of life and their struggles and triumphs," Imes explained.
"I consider myself extremely lucky because I had the rare pleasure of being thoroughly excited to get up and go to work every day," he added. "There's no doubt in my mind that I will certainly miss teaching ... the students, the parents and especially my colleagues that I have enjoyed working with over the years."
Imes began preparing for his new role as district judge after he won both parties in the primary election. He attended magisterial district judge training at the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg for the entire month of June.
"At the end of the training, it is mandatory that you take - and pass - the minor judiciary education board exam," Imes said. "By all means, it was the most rigorous examination I have ever taken, but afterwards you get a much better sense of what is expected of you as a district judge and the detailed parameters of the job itself."
His preparation wasn't done yet. Imes then spent July and August job shadowing and observing other local district judges in Juniata County and other surrounding counties. Following in Leister's footsteps, Imes understands he has some big shoes to fill.
"Jackie did this job for 36 consecutive years and did it well," Imes said. "Jackie knows every nuance, part and intricate detail of what it takes to be a district judge and I would say that her greatest attribute was the fact that she knows every aspect of the district that she served ... from the landscape to each and every person who lives there.
"Judge Leiser has been so kind in sharing her knowledge and wisdom with me over the past few months and again, I consider myself very lucky that she will soon be taking on the role of senior district judge and will still be available with regard to questions that may arise," he added.
Imes said he's grateful to be joining the ranks of the local judiciary system with District Judge Tracy Powell, Common Pleas Judge Andrew Bender and President Judge Kenneth Mummah, whom "I regard with great esteem for their honorable and faithful service to our community over the past many years."
While Imes feels prepared for his new career, he expects to still have the first-day jitters. "I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about one career coming to a close and another just beginning, but I'm also extremely excited to begin better serving our community in a greater capacity," Imes said.
His overall goal has remained the same since he began this endeavor. "I intend to be transparent, honest and fair, and to continually uphold the law and the core values and beliefs of our community, state and federal government," he added.
Imes lives in Milford Township with his wife, Rachel, and sons, Jack and Will.