It is with extreme sadness that Chief Judge Clint Hull of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit announced the passing of Associate Judge William J. Parkhurst August 26, 2022, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Judge Parkhurst was appointed Associate Judge for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit in 2012. His distinguished judicial career included presiding over court calls in the criminal, family, and juvenile divisions. Judge Parkhurst, however, was best known for his kindness, smiles, and overall humble demeanor. He was admired and respected by all.
Chief Judge Clint Hull stated: “Judge Parkhurst (Bill) was the best of the best. Bill came to work each day feeling blessed that he had an opportunity to work on behalf of the citizens of Kane County. He treated everyone that appeared before him with respect and kindness. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to call him a friend and colleague.”
Prior Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Chief Judges Robert Spence and Judith Brawka mirrored Judge Hull’s sentiments about Judge Parkhurst’s character. Judge Spence said, “Bill was an excellent attorney who modeled integrity and preparedness. As a judge, he was exceptional. He had a keen legal mind and a wonderful temperament. He was firm but also kind and compassionate but even more importantly, he was an intentional father and loving husband.”
The Honorable Judith Brawka remembered Judge Parkhurst as a judge admired by his fellow judges and support staff, respected by the attorneys who practiced before him, and appreciated by all the citizens in the courtroom. Judge Brawka said that before Judge Parkhurst was appointed to the bench, he had a successful family and juvenile law practice and was committed to improving the lives of children, one of the highest purposes in the law. She continued, “Bill brought the best qualities of working with children with him as a judge: patience, wisdom, dedication, and humility. His absence will be keenly felt. It is an honor to have called Judge Parkhurst a colleague and a friend.”
Judge Parkhurst dreamed about becoming a judge before law school. He received his undergraduate degree from Alma College and his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from Valparaiso University.
Judge Parkhurst began his career as a law clerk for the federal magistrate in Michigan. He moved to Illinois in 1991 and started a solo practice in Geneva. Prior to becoming a judge, he practiced with the firm of Johnson, Westra, Broeker, Whittaker& Newitt in St. Charles, IL.
Before becoming an associate judge, Judge Parkhurst built his reputation on providing pro bono services for low-income litigants. He has received the designation of Pro Bono Attorney of the Year twice, once in 2006 from the Court Appointed Special Advocates and again in 2008 from the Kane County Bar Association. Before serving on the bench, Judge Parkhurst volunteered with legal aid agencies, including Prairie State Legal Services and Administer Justice.
Judge Parkhurst lived with his wife and children in Batavia.