IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION honoring the retirement of the Honorable Judge J. Dale Youngs.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 22116, December 1, 2025
INTRODUCED BY Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, the Jackson County Legislature is pleased to join the legal community and
residents of Jackson County in recognizing and honoring the distinguished career and retirement of the Honorable Judge J. Dale Youngs, who has faithfully served the 16th Judicial Circuit since his appointment in May 2009; and,
WHEREAS, Judge Youngs is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri, where he earned his Bachelor of Journalism, and of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate; and,
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure on the bench, Judge Youngs earned the respect of attorneys, jurors, colleagues, and the broader community for his integrity, preparedness, and unwavering commitment to justice; and,
WHEREAS, in the 2010 Judicial Performance Evaluation, attorneys rated Judge Youngs exceptionally high in key areas, including preparedness for hearings and trials (4.56), appropriate demeanor on the bench (4.56), and maintaining order and decorum in the courtroom (4.52), demonstrating his professionalism and command of the courtroom; and,
WHEREAS, juror surveys reflected a remarkable 98.05 percent favorable rating, with comments praising Judge Youngs as “extremely excellent and professional,” “excellent,” and “very professional,” further showcasing the respect with which he is regarded by those who observed him firsthand; and,
WHEREAS, the Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee also reviewed a written order submitted by Judge Youngs and found it to be well-reasoned, clearly written, and exemplary of his deep understanding of substantive law and procedural matters
frequently encountered by trial judges; and,
WHEREAS, beyond his courtroom service, Judge Youngs contributed meaningfully to the legal profession and the Kansas City community as a member of the Missouri Institute of Justice Board of Directors, the Strategic Vision Committee of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the Circuit Court Communications and Employee Retention/Recognition Committees, and the Missouri Bar; and,
WHEREAS, Judge Youngs also dedicated service to Visitation Catholic Church and served on the board of directors of the Sherwood Center, exemplifying a commitment to community engagement and public service; and,
WHEREAS, Judge Youngs’ retirement marks the conclusion of a judicial career defined by fairness, professionalism, thoughtful decision-making, and service to the residents of Jackson County, with his contributions to the judiciary and the community continuing to inspire those who follow; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the
Legislature hereby honors and congratulates the Honorable Judge J. Dale Youngs on the occasion of his retirement and expresses its deep gratitude for his many years of exemplary service to the 16th Judicial Circuit, the legal profession, and the community.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 22116 of December 1, 2025, was duly passed on ______________________________, 2025 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _________________ Nays ___________
Abstaining ___________ Absent ____________
______________________ ______________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature