John S. Bodger

John S. Bodger was born in California on February 6, 1942, and came to the law as a second career. Before entering practice, he served as director of Boys Clubs in Bellingham, Washington, and in Reno, Nevada, dedicating his early working life to youth and community. In his 40s he attended law school, and he was admitted to the Nevada bar on December 8, 1987, beginning a legal career grounded in public service.

Based in Reno, Bodger devoted much of his practice to public service law. He served as a circuit judge enforcing child support orders in rural Nevada for ten years, work that carried him across the state's less-populated communities in support of families and children. He also served as a Guardian ad Litem, continuing his long-standing commitment to advocating for those who needed a voice.

After a career of service on the bench and in the community, John and his wife Selden retired to Port Townsend, Washington. He was remembered as a tall figure with a distinctive white handlebar mustache, an avid sailor from the age of eight, and a devoted member of civic organizations. He died on August 29, 2016, following complications of Alzheimer's disease.