Chief Justice Jeff Bivins, Tennessee Supreme Court, statement on the passing of Judge Keith Siskin, Circuit Court Judge of the 16th Judicial District for Cannon and Rutherford Counties:
Our entire judicial family is saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Keith Siskin. Judge Siskin was a dedicated public servant and an outstanding trial judge. He was a highly respected member of the legal community, and we are proud of his judicial service as a magistrate in Rutherford County Juvenile Court and as a Circuit Court Judge for the 16th Judicial District. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family.
Judge Siskin was a highly respected member of the legal community and we were proud to have had his judicial service from the Juvenile Court to the Circuit court. He was an innovator with regard to technology and utilized digital monitors to educate the public about the role of the judiciary and the entire court process. In 2016, he was nominated for the Justice William Rehnquist award for his innovative use of technology in the Rutherford County courthouse by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
He was appointed by Gov. Bill Haslam on October 29, 2012 and served with distinction.
Siskin had also previously served as a Juvenile Court referee magistrate since 2004, presiding over both civil and criminal cases including parentage, child support, child custody and visitation, dependency, neglect, abuse and delinquency matters.
He has been involved in multiple community and professional organizations, including the Rutherford/Cannon County Bar Association, where he served as a past president, the American Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association and the Tennessee Judicial Conference.
Siskin graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in English and attended the University of Georgia School of Law, graduating cum laude in 1997. He was a gifted writer and was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court in 2002.
Siskin was of the Jewish faith and attended the World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, TN with his family.
Our Judicial family expresses deepest sympathy to Judge Siskin’s wife, Sherri and two adult daughters, Micah and Shea as well as his family in Savannah, GA.
Statement by Chancellor Howard Wilson, Presiding Judge, 16th Judicial District:
Judge Keith Siskin loved the law. He felt called to serve as a circuit court judge. But more than anything, Keith loved helping people. And, he did that every day with compassion and respect for all who entered his courtroom.
He was a good friend with a kind smile, a compassionate heart and sharp intellect.
He will be greatly missed.
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Statement by Juvenile Court Judge Donna Scott Davenport:
Judge Siskin was one of the most gifted individuals in both law- especially family law- and caring for people. The relationships he made throughout the community meant the world to him. He had a quick and dry wit which delighted everyone around him. He had a special love for animals, UGA sports and was a calming influence in difficult family law matters. His wife and daughters were greatly loved and his influence will continue upon them and all who knew him.
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Statement by Senator Bill Ketron, District 13
Judge Keith Siskin was not just an excellent judge, but he was also a great husband and father, who brought conservative and fair values to his bench.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time, but a celebration of life will be announced in the near future.
