Frank Ardis, longtime municipal court judge, remembered for compassion, legal knowledge

Joe Jerger will remember Frank Ardis Jr. being there for him in a time of need.

"I lost my father in 1988 while I was a first-year law student," he said. "Frank was like a big brother for me and helped me get over that hump."

Ardis, a longtime attorney and Mansfield Municipal Court judge since 2010, passed away early Sunday at the age of 74.

Fellow Municipal Court Judge Jerry Ault said Ardis died at a Columbus hospital. He said Ardis had been sick "off and on" for the last five months.

Prior to his appointment to Mansfield Municipal Court by then-Gov. Ted Strickland in January 2010, Ardis was in private practice as a senior partner in a Mansfield law firm for more than 35 years, concentrating on personal injury, civil litigation, criminal defense and probate practice.

That is where Jerger got to know him. He has been a partner in the firm since 1990.

"I will remember that he truly cared about people," Jerger said. "The biggest part of Frank was his compassion.

"He was guardian for a lot of wards in our practice. He made sure they had the best quality of life that they could."

Ardis was assistant prosecutor from 2007-2010

Ardis, who could not seek another term because of age limits, also served as a part-time assistant Richland County prosecutor from 2007 until his appointment as judge in 2010. He also served as an assistant law director for five years.

Ardis was sworn in as judge by his close friend, the late Prosecutor James Mayer Jr. The two met as college students in 1967.

"I can't think of anyone more honest, hard-working and competent than Frank Ardis," Mayer said at the time.

Current Common Pleas Judge, Brent Robinson, then first assistant prosecutor, worked with Ardis for several years.

"He was hired in the civil division," Robinson said. "Frank was always on time. He was always prepared, and he always had a good attitude.

"He handled all of his cases at the prosecutor's office very well."

Robinson described Ardis as "extremely knowledgeable about the law" and said he brought years of experience to the office.

"He was enjoyable to work with, a really good personality," Robinson said. "Frank was a good guy. I will miss him."

Along with Ault, Ardis is credited with making many improvements to municipal court, including a mediation program to resolve civil disputes, and instituting Drug and Alcohol, Domestic Violence and Veteran's Court specialized dockets.

Ault said he will remember his longtime colleague for his "outgoing, friendly personality."

"He was involved in the community," Ault said. "He was well-informed. He always knew the law and used good judgment when sentencing."

Ardis was born in West Virginia

Ardis was a native of West Virginia. His mother moved Ardis and his brothers to Mansfield when the family patriarch was killed in a coal-mining accident.

The judge also was well-known for his annual snowfall predictions. Using a secret formula, he would predict the number of tracking snows.

Janet Ardis, his wife of 46 years, passed away in 2021. They leave behind two daughters.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Mansfield St. Peter's Church. A mass of Christian burial will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at the church, with burial to follow.

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Judge Ardis remembered for being honest, hard-working, competent