J. Frederick Motz, a distinguished figure in the legal world and a dedicated public servant, passed away at the age of 80 on October 23, 2023.
His remarkable career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.
Born in 1943, J. Frederick Motz’s journey through the legal realm began as an Assistant United States Attorney of the District of Maryland from 1969 to 1971.
After this early experience, he ventured into private practice in Baltimore, a city he would continue to serve and call home.
Motz’s commitment to justice was evident in his role as the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland from 1981 to 1985.
In 1985, President Ronald Reagan nominated Motz for a new seat on the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, and he was subsequently confirmed by the United States Senate on July 11, 1985.
His commission was granted on July 12, 1985, marking the beginning of his enduring tenure on the court. He would later serve as the Chief Judge from 1994 to 2001, demonstrating his leadership and dedication to the court’s mission.
Beyond his judicial duties, J. Frederick Motz made significant contributions to the community, particularly as the chairman of the board of Trustees for the Sheppard Pratt Health System.
Motz’s legacy extends beyond his own career. His wife, Diana Gribbon Motz, serves on the Fourth Circuit, and together they represented a family deeply rooted in the legal world.