Honor Judge Baynes' Life

Senate Resolution No. 3112 BY: Senator PARKER MOURNING the death of The Honorable Johnny Lee Baynes, dedicated public servant and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who, through their selfless commitment and dedication, served to better the quality of life in their community and had a measurable positive impact on the lives of its residents; Johnny Lee Baynes was one such individual; and WHEREAS, The Honorable Johnny Lee Baynes of Brooklyn, New York, died on Thursday, March 27, 2020, at the age of 64, due to complications related to the coronavirus; and WHEREAS, Born in a small town in Georgia, Johnny Lee Baynes moved to New York with his family at a young age; when he was just eight years-old, his mother died, and he was raised largely by his sisters; and WHEREAS, He attended Fordham University as an undergraduate student before graduating from Howard University School of Law; and WHEREAS, In 1993, Justice Johnny Lee Baynes became a Housing Court judge, and joined the bench in Brooklyn after he was elected to the New York City Civil Court in 2005; and WHEREAS, The Honorable Johnny Lee Baynes was then named an acting Supreme Court justice in Kings County, and in 2011, he won an election for a 14-year term to the Kings County Supreme Court; and WHEREAS, Prior to joining the bench, Justice Johnny Lee Baynes was a staff attorney for the New York City Housing Authority, as well as District Council 37 and the Municipal Employees Legal Services Plan; and WHEREAS, Over a long and preeminent career, Justice Johnny Lee Baynes distinguished himself and his profession, serving tirelessly in the administration of the law, while diligently guarding over the rights of the citizens it serves; he was often thought of as a gentle giant by the legal community due to his size and demeanor in the courtroom; and WHEREAS, The Honorable Johnny Lee Baynes is survived by his daughter, Jolie, and his ex-wife, Pamela Thomas; following in her father's footsteps, Jolie interned in the Brooklyn court system, and is currently attending law school; and WHEREAS, With a larger-than-life persona and a faithful member of the court, Johnny Lee Baynes will be remembered as a revered judge, but more importantly as a courteous, thoughtful, and compassionate man who treated defendants with respect and dignity; he will be truly missed by all those who had the privilege and honor of knowing him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of The Honorable Johnny Lee Baynes, and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of The Honorable Johnny Lee Baynes.