Judge J.W. 'Bill' Graves to be honored with Supreme Court portrait Tuesday

Retired Kentucky Supreme Court Justice John William Graves will be honored Tuesday with a Supreme Court portrait dedication ceremony in Frankfort.

Justice Graves was elected from western Kentucky and served on the Supreme Court from 1995 until 2006, when he decided not to run for re-election. Before that, he served as a district judge and a circuit judge for McCracken County. Graves also devoted 35 years to public service as a Judge Advocate General officer in the United States Army, ultimately retiring with the rank of colonel.

In a ceremony beginning at noon, portrait artist Fred Biggs, along with Justice Graves’ wife and son will present the portrait. Justice Graves will also speak at the event.

Portrait dedications usually take place in the historic Supreme Court Courtroom at the Capitol, but the building is closed for a multiyear renovation. For now, Supreme Court portraits are hanging in the court’s temporary home on Chamberlin Avenue until the move back to the Capitol.

To watch the dedication online at noon, click here, then click “live.”