56
1969
Joseph Monroe Walker III
esteemed jurist, who spent his entire
legal career as a public servant, first as a
federal prosecutor and most recently as
an associate justice of the Massachusetts
Superior Court, died in his sleep in his
West Roxbury, Mass., home on July 8,
2014. He was 63.
Born September 17, 1950, in Winston-
Salem, N.C., the son of Joseph M. and
Melanie C. Walker, Joe Walker attended
St. Benedict the Moor School before
enrolling at St. Paul’s in 1964. He served
as co-chairman of the SPS Racial Action
Committee and participated on the Stu-
dent Council, in the Glee Club, Le Cercle
Fran
ç
ais, and the Missionary Society. He
wrote for
The Pelican
and played varsity
basketball and lacrosse.
A 1973 graduate of Harvard College,
where he studied and played varsity
lacrosse, Judge Walker earned a master’s
in education from Harvard and his law
degree from the University of California,
Berkeley, in 1978. With his J.D., he accepted
a post as assistant district attorney
in Oakland, Calif., then later moved to
Massachusetts, where he served in the
same position for Suffolk County, before
being named an assistant U.S. attorney
for the Bay State. In 1994, Governor Wil-
liam Weld appointed him to the bench of
the Dorchester District Court, where, Judge
Walker reported to
Alumni Horae
, “Work-
ing within an urban community seem-
ingly choking with gangs, drugs, and
guns, I must constantly remind myself
that there are thousands of hardworking,
upright Dorchester citizens, just trying
to exist in peace.”
In 2000, Massachusetts Governor Paul
Cellucci appointed Judge Walker to his
seat on the Superior Court, which has
original jurisdiction in serious civil cases,
first-degree murder cases, and all other
felony matters. Whether presiding over
a civil or criminal case, Judge Walker ex-
plained in a 2010 interview with St. Paul’s,
it is necessary to facilitate jurors’ access
to accurate and reliable evidence and,
therefore, their abilities to use common
sense in evaluating it. In addition to help-
ing juries work through the facts of a
case, Judge Walker strived to educate the
public about the legal system.
“It’s not like what’s on
CSI
and
Law and
Order
,” he said. “We want to ensure that
people aren’t disappointed and that they
understand the limits of actual government.”
At the same time, Judge Walker worked
hard to foster a better understanding of
the justice system for every juror who
came through his courtroom. “If my jurors
leave a case feeling that we treated them
well, respected them, and tried not to
waste their time” he said, “then they have
as equal an interest in the outcome as the
involved parties do. I think that helps
bolster confidence in the justice system.”
After his 1969 graduation from St. Paul’s,
Judge Walker’s relationship with the
School never wavered, as he returned
during graduate school to be an intern
with the Advanced Studies Program. He
later served on the ASP Advisory Board
and spent a year (1974-75) on the SPS
faculty. From 1985 to 2003, he volun-
teered as a regional representative for
the School, and, in 1998, he was appoint-
ed to the SPS Board of Trustees, serving
until 2007, including a term as clerk. Just
prior to his 45th SPS reunion last spring,
his formmates elected him their next
form director. He died just a month after
reuniting with old friends and formmates
at Anniversary Weekend.
Joe Walker’s intelligence, warmth, and
judicial temperament were much noted in
tributes from his many St. Paul’s friends
following his death. His professional col-
leagues were likewise saddened. “With his
calm demeanor and affable manner, Judge
Walker was well liked and well regarded
by court employees, judges, and the bar,”
His service assignments included duty
aboard the USS
Independence
and posts
as a legislative liaison to the United States
Congress, assistant staff judge advocate
in London, and fleet judge advocate to the
commander, Sixth Fleet, in Italy. Captain
Wylie served as general counsel to the
Military Officers Association of America
for 14 years, following his retirement
from active duty.
He also served the St. Paul’s commu-
nity as the Form of 1962’s main agent for
nine years and as its form director for
four years.
Above all, Captain Wylie was a family
man. He was extremely proud of his two
children, who both went on to careers in
the theatre arts. When asked how two
military officers raised two thespians, the
family joke was, “Actors/lawyers, lawyers/
actors – what’s the difference?” He main-
tained lifelong friendships with many.
His wife called Captain Wylie a “Renais-
sance jock” for his many hobbies and
interests. His 1953 MG TD is still in the
family’s garage, along with his squash
and tennis racquets. He also maintained
a large stamp collection.
At an Episcopal service celebrating his
life in July, Captain Wylie’s daughter,
Jamie, delivered a loving remembrance of
her father. Among other memories, she
mentioned that “underneath that sensible
Navy facade was the soul of a Beatles and
ABBA fan.” She also noted that her father
often told people that the TV series
JAG
was based on his career – and they
believed him.
“At the end of Sunday services,” added
Jamie Wylie, “after the celebrant says, ‘Go
in peace to love and serve the Lord,’ and
the congregation responds, ‘thanks be to
God,’ Dad would add ‘Beat Army!’”
Captain Wylie’s burial, with full military
honors, was scheduled for November 4,
2014, at Arlington National Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Carolina
“Clair” Wylie; his son, Peter, and his
daughter, Jamie; and his sister, Captain
Elizabeth G. “Betsy” Wylie, USN (ret.). At
Captain Wylie’s service, he was remem-
bered with a reading from St. Paul’s
second letter to Timothy: “I have fought
the good fight, I have finished the race, I
have kept the faith….”
DECEASED