John M. Sands

Former Judge John M. Sands 85, born October 4, 1936, died November 26, 2021 in St. Paul, Minnesota peacefully of natural causes. Judge Sands was born and spent his entire life in St. Paul, where he graduated from Cretin High School (1954), St Thomas College (now the University of St. Thomas) 1958 and the William Mitchell College of Law (now Mitchell Hamline College of Law (1963). Judge Sands practiced law with a variety of firms in St. Paul.  Judge Sands was very active in government and public affairs in his beloved St. Paul. He was involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations and played a leading role in writing a new charter for Ramsey County. He capped his long record of public service by serving a term as a Ramsey County District Judge.
Judge Sands, a son of the late John F. and Josephine Sands of St. Paul, was predeceased by three younger brothers, Paul, Richard and Gregory. He is survived by Janet, his beloved wife of 62 years and three children: Mark and Jason both of St. Paul and Joseph (Ellen Weld) of Rockville Centre, New York. He is also survived by three grandchildren who gave him great joy in his retirement: Cameron and Grace of Rockville Centre, New York and Charlie of Santa Monica, California. He is also survived by his brother Gerald (Patricia) of Phoenix, Arizona.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted by his friend and fellow lawyer, Father John Malone on December 18, 2021 at 10:00 am with visitation one hour prior at Church of the Assumption, 51 W. 7th Street, St. Paul.

 

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