Putnam Judge James Reitz Dies In Court

CARMEL, NY — Putnam County Court Judge James F. Reitz died in the county courthouse Friday morning. The Mahopac resident apparently suffered a fatal heart attack.

The Reitz family confirmed the 57-year-old's death and requested that people refrain from visiting until all the family have been notified, according to a statement sent from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.

Despite heroic efforts by court officers, police, EMS, fire personnel and Emergency Department, Judge Reitz died at Putnam Hospital Center, said Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell.

“It hard to put into words the emotions with the passing of my lifelong friend Jim. Jim was always the person I turned to for support in good times and bad times and his advice was honest and from the heart," Odell said. “He was a pillar of this community and his everlasting impact cannot be measured. My heart is heavy, and I know the entire community mourns this tragic loss. I have lost a dear friend, and Putnam County has lost a dedicated public servant."

James Reitz was a lifelong Putnam County resident graduating from Carmel High School. Judge Reitz attended Mercy College graduating in 1986 and received his J.D. from the Thomas M Cooley Law School in 1989. Judge Reitz married the love of his life Barbara and resided in Mahopac NY. His love of serving the people was only surpassed by his love for his children and grandchildren which provided him with many hours of well-deserved bragging rights.

Judge Reitz was active in community service and volunteering, giving of himself to many organizations, most notably a long time Carmel Rotarian who epitomized Service Above Oneself. Judge Reitz was an outspoken advocate for addiction recovery and second chances which is why he was a pioneer for his beloved Drug Treatment Court. His program was instrumental in saving countless lives and families in Putnam County.

Judge Reitz always held Putnam County dear and focused his career on serving the people starting as a Carmel Town Court Justice in 1996 then becoming a multi-bench judge of the Putnam County Court in 2007. Judge Reitz has also served as an Acting Supreme Court Justice.

Visiting Hours will be Monday June 17, 2019 from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Putnam County Training & Operations Center, 112 Old Route 6, Carmel NY. A mass will be celebrated on Tuesday June 18, 2019 at 10:30 AM at St James the Apostle Church, 14 Gleneida Ave., Carmel. Cargain Funeral Homes is handling arrangements.

The family directed questions to William G. Sayegh, Esq. at 845-228-4200.

"I am deeply saddened to report the passing of the Honorable James F. Reitz, Putnam County Court judge, this morning," wrote Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell. "As many of you are aware, Judge Reitz was a cherished member of the Putnam County judiciary and the beloved husband of former long term Putnam County employee Barbara Reitz. We will provide more details as they become available. At this time, we would ask that you please keep Barbara and the family and friends of Judge Reitz in your thoughts and prayers as they naviogate through this difficult time."

Sheriff Robert L. Langley, Jr. issued a statement on behalf of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office:

Today we mourn the passing of The Honorable James F. Reitz who was so much more than a judge, he was family to all of us at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Judge Reitz was a man who changed people’s lives through his passion for the drug court in which he always had the support and active participation of members from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. We could go on endlessly on Judge Reitz’s accomplishments and passion for serving his community not only as Judge but as a friend to many. This is a tremendous loss for our community and he will be greatly missed by many.

On a personal note I am proud to say Judge Reitz was more than a Judge to me, he was a friend who I respected and admired. Rest in peace Jim. Your passing will be felt by many. May his memory be a blessing.