"It's hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember..."
It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of former SWBR principal, architect and friend Junius Royal Judson, AIA. Jay passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 25, 2019 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Jay had retired from the firm in May 2014 after 28 years.
He began his career in Charlotte, NC at Wolf Associates and then Odell Associates. He moved back to Rochester in 1982 before marrying his wife, Lauren. While at SWBR he was involved in the firm’s board of directors for more than 25 years, served as treasurer of SWBR from 1993 to 2010 and president from 1986 to 1992.
He was involved in a wide variety of highly technical projects and excelled as a designer. He specialized in work for the firm’s college and university clients serving as a client liaison and project leader. Jay left his mark on the Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of Rochester, Monroe Community College and several SUNY campuses.
“Jay embodied SWBR’s spirit and energy,” says Tom Gears, President of SWBR. “His dedication, wealth of knowledge, extended experience and positive attitude were a major contribution to the firm’s success. We share our heartfelt thanks for all the leadership Jay provided.”
Jay was also an active member of the Rochester community, participating in the Town of Brighton Architectural Review Board and serving on several other boards, including Family Service of Rochester, Rochester School for the Deaf (who honored him for 25 years of faithful service), Seneca Zoo Society, Nathaniel Rochester Society, Rochester General Hospital Foundation, Monroe Community College Foundation, White Haven Memorial Park and the Genesee Country Museum.
In 2013, he was honored by Builders Exchange of Rochester with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the Rochester community and his decades of involvement in improving and shaping the local construction industry. Previously, he was recognized with the Perkin’s Founder Award from the Rochester School for the Deaf and the Whitaker Service Medallion for years of service at RIT.
Retirement took Jay and Lauren to Murrells Inlet, SC in 2014. Jay embraced his new home by enrolling in Coastal Carolina University where he took classes in Spanish, Studio Art & Golf. Sadly, a 2015 stroke curtailed many of his activities but he always remained a glass half full guy. He never stopped learning and enjoying his friends and his life.
“Jay was a renaissance man, architect, writer, designer, partner, colleague, valued friend and I miss him,” says Tom Zimmerman, FAIA, former Managing Principal at SWBR and President of the Architectural Foundation of Greater Rochester.
A memorial service honoring Jay’s life will be held on October 5, 2019 at 11am at Christ Church, 36 South Main St., Pittsford, NY 14534.
For those who would like to make a donation in Jay’s memory, please consider The Belle Baruch Foundation at Hobcaw Barony, a Foundation very meaningful to Jay in retirement.
The Belle Baruch Foundation at Hobcaw Barony
22 Hobcaw Rd.
Georgetown, SC 29440