WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Friends, colleagues and family remembered former Watertown City Court Judge James Harberson on Thursday, a day after his death at 85.

“He was a man in full,” said Dr. Justin Harberson, one of Harberson’s two sons.

His sons said much of who he was was reflected in his work as a judge.

Harberson is remembered for going above and beyond to uphold and improve the judicial system.

Wrote opinions to help other courts

With Harberson’s influence, his son, James Harberson III, became a lawyer for a time, watching his dad’s work closely.

“He would write opinions for almost every case he had. And so dad created a massive record that were novel, not to the system, but novel to the published accounts of the system so that other courts could rely on them to decide cases and investigate the issues involved,” he said.

Was an avid athlete

In his personal life, he was a frequent golfer. In his younger years, he was a place kicker for the Watertown Red & Black football team. He is still one of the top kickers in team history.

A teammate and coach remembered the friend they lost.

“He was a good friend. I’m sorry to lose him,” said Tom LaDuke, former head coach for Watertown Red & Black.

“Loved the man. He was great. I had him as a teammate, a parent to students I had, and a good friend,” said Ron LaDuke, former teammate with Harberson.

Dedicated to community and family

After retiring from his role as judge, Harberson took an interest in Watertown’s Thompson Park, playing an integral role in the founding of a park development and maintenance group called Friends of Thompson Park.

“He was very multifaceted; he had interests in all parts of our community. He loved this community,” said Brian Ashley, president of Friends of Thompson Park.

But it would seem no part of his life was more important to Harberson than his role as a father.

“The greatest passion in his life was us, and you can’t say thank you enough to your parents for that, but that’s what he spent his entire life doing,” Justin Harberson said.

The family is planning a celebration of life this summer.

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