Honorable Michael Joseph Valentine Jr.

Edwards County Circuit Judge, The Honorable Michael Joseph Valentine, Jr., 43, passed away on November 5, 2024, at his residence in Edwards County, Illinois.

He was born on April 14, 1981 in Chicago, Illinois, to Michael J. Valentine Sr. and Marilyn (Jablonowski) Valentine.

Michael earned his law degree at Southern Illinois University. He was elected State’s Attorney in Edwards County, Illinois, serving 8 years before being elected Circuit Judge for Edwards County. He was a Chicago EMT prior to becoming a lawyer. He was a member of the Albion Fire Department, Heritage Lodge 356, and the Albion Moose Lodge. Michael was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Illinois Judges Association, and was also a Drug Court Judge. He was of Catholic Faith. He will be remembered as a good and fair judge, who helped many he served. Most of all, he was a loving son and a loving father.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael (Marilyn) Valentine Sr.; his children, daughter Mia Rose Valentine and son Michael Joseph Valentine III; an uncle, Robert Valentine; and an aunt, Carol Summerfeld; and 3 cousins. He also leaves behind many in his community, colleagues, co-workers and friends who cherish his memory.