SACRAMENTO – On January 5, during one of the first days of the 2017 State Assembly’s Regular Session, Asm. Jim Wood honored the life of Judge Harold E. Neville, Jr. by adjourning in his memory. Judge Neville died December 6, 2016. He served as one of the most respected judges in Humboldt County for many years.
“Judge Neville was a larger-than-life personality,” said Asm. Jim Wood, who represents Humboldt County. “I was proud to honor Judge Neville and the positive impact he had on so many people.”
Born March 5, 1929, and raised in Humboldt County, his father, “Doc Neville,” was a senior executive for Pacific Lumber and his mother, Mabel, came from the pioneering “East” family. Judge Neville was a loving husband and family man and an avid fly fisherman who was known for his gruff exterior but warm and kind inside with a wicked sense of humor. He served his country as a Marine, his state as a CHP officer and his county as a judge.
In the courtroom, he followed the protocol of “all rise” as the judge enters, but always took the time to explain to the jury and others that they were not standing for him, but out of respect for our country and for the rule of law. He treated everyone in the courtroom with respect and dignity, defendants, jurors and attorneys alike. In his later years on the bench, when he thought all had been said, he would simply take out his hearing aids and put them down, signaling the end of that day’s proceedings.
Judge Neville is survived by his wife of 47 years, Norma, his five grown children and five grandchildren. This honoring will be commemorated in the Assembly’s Daily Journal.
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Since 2014, Assemblymember Jim Wood (D- Healdsburg) has represented the 2nd Assembly District, which includes all of Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt and Mendocino counties, plus northern and coastal Sonoma County, including the northern half of Santa Rosa.
CONTACT: Cathy Mudge, 916.319.2002