SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Former Illinois Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Miller was honored by former colleagues during a memorial service Monday. Democrats and Republicans on the highest court appreciated Miller's dedication to public service and good of the people.

Miller was the first Springfield native to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court. He later became the first and only chief justice from the capital city.

"Over the course of the 17 years on this court, he participated in more than 2,000 opinions and authored more than 500," said Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis.

The Republican is remembered as a strong leader for ethics and improving how domestic violence cases are handled. 

"At the time, Justice Miller said this, 'I'd like to see us look to the future rather than just react to problems as they arise,'" Theis said. "'Then we can try to make sure we're in a position to meet those needs as we work toward those goals.'" 

Justice Lisa Holder White said she is honored that Miller signed her law license in 1993. While Holder White never served alongside Miller, she had the opportunity to meet with him and seek advice.

"I know I am not the only one who sought out and benefited from his wise counsel and mentorship," Hold White said. "He was a true gentleman - decent and kind. In this age of vitriol and divisiveness, he remains the model of civility and professionalism to which lawyers and judges should aspire."

Miller was also determined to do something extraordinary in the 90s - get more women leading courtrooms.

There were no female judges in the eighth judicial circuit, where I came from, in 1991," said former Illinois appellate judge Carol Pope. "In fact, at that time, there were 102 state attorneys in our state and only six of them were women. Thanks to Ben, I was so very lucky to have served in the judiciary in the state of Illinois for 26 years."

Justice Miller was also a sailor who loved to spend time on the water. His colleagues fondly remember that he spent a year on his 37 foot boat after he retired. 

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