John Halvorson

The Honorable John J. Halvorson 05/29/59 - 08-12-15 After a lifelong career serving Roswell and Chaves County, the Honorable John J. Halvorson passed away in peace Wednesday, August 12, 2015, at the age of 56, due to complications from cancer. Judge Halvorson’s belief in God and his devotion in and out of the courtroom was evidence of personal integrity, compassion and the desire to do the right thing. The impact he leaves on his family, friends and community is immeasurable. Blessed with the ability to see the brighter side of life, he will be remembered for his patience and great respect for people. The youngest of three boys, Judge Halvorson was born to the late James Jacob Halvorson and Clerry Muriel Halvorson on May 29, 1959, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Roswell, New Mexico. First and foremost, Judge Halvorson was an infinitely dedicated and loving husband to his soulmate and best friend of 27 years, Juliana. He was a caring and patient father to his daughters, Shilo and Shelby, who will dearly miss him. Judge Halvorson graduated from Goddard High School at the young age of 17 and attended Eastern New Mexico University, Roswell, taking classes in Criminal Justice. He joined the Roswell Police Department on his 21st birthday in 1980. Judge Halvorson served the department for 20 years as a Patrol Officer, Traffic Accident Investigator, Police Pursuit Motorcycle Instructor, Crime Prevention Officer, Honor Guard Commander and Sergeant. He was awarded the Lifesaving Citation during his career. Following his retirement, Judge Halvorson became the Chaves County DWI Coordinator as well as a Court Compliance Officer. On January 13, 2010, Judge Halvorson was appointed (by then Governor Richardson) to the bench as Magistrate Judge, to fill a vacancy by retiring Magistrate Judge Robert B. Corn. He was then elected to a four-year term in November of 2010 and re-elected in 2014. In June of 2013, he was appointed Presiding Judge of Chaves County by the New Mexico Supreme Court. Judge Halvorson has been involved in many community volunteer and youth agencies over the years. He was an Eagle Scout, has been a Scoutmaster, Explorer Advisor, District Commissioner and Training Chairman in the Boy Scouts. In 1980 he led a group of boys as the Scoutmaster at the National Scout Jamboree in Washington, D.C. He has been awarded Vigil Honor, Silver Beaver, Wood Badge Scoutmaster and earned the Scoutmaster Award of Merit. Judge Halvorson touched so many lives in the Roswell community and he will be fondly remembered and sadly missed. He is survived by his wife, Juliana; daughters Shilo and Shelby; loving brother, Steve and wife Lynne; brother, Robert; father-in-law John; as well as many in-laws, nieces, a nephew and many close family friends. The family would like to thank the Roswell community for the outpouring of love and support. Services will be held at First Baptist Church, 500 N. Pennsylvania Ave, on Saturday, August 15, 2015, at 12:00 PM, with City Councilor, the Reverend Jason Perry Officiating. A reception will be held at the church following the service. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories of Judge Halvorson with his family in the online register at andersonbethany.com. Services are under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.