Superior Court Judge John McCarthy announces retirement

John McCarthy, a Pierce County judge for more than 22 years, will retire effective Dec. 1, the county announced Friday.

McCarthy, 65, said in a statement that he’s “anxious to spend more time with my grandchildren and pursue some other interests.”

The judge took a leave of absence earlier this year to battle cancer but recently returned to the bench. He said he’s been given a clean bill of health by his doctors.

“I truly appreciate the opportunities I have had to support the administration of justice, which is the bedrock of our society,” McCarthy said.

He was a District Court judge for five years before ascending to the Superior Court bench nearly 18 years ago. He also was a Port of Tacoma commissioner from 1983 to 1992.

McCarthy’s term runs through the end of 2016, so it will be up to Gov. Jay Inslee to name a replacement.

This story was originally published September 12, 2014 at 11:07 AM with the headline "Superior Court Judge John McCarthy announces retirement."