A new Dowd on the bench

Former appeals court judges Booker Shaw and James R. Dowd chat before the investiture of Dowd’s younger cousin, James M. Dowd, for a seat on the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District Friday in St. Louis.  Photo by Karen Elshout

James M. Dowd gives a two thumbs up sign to a friend in the gathering crowd before his investiture as a new judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District Friday in St. Louis. Standing with him is brother, Judge David Dowd, who was master of ceremonies for the event.  Photo by Karen Elshout

James M. Dowd is congratulated by his friend Bernie McDonnell before his investiture as a new judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District Friday in St. Louis.  Dowd’s family is seated alongside him.  Photo by Karen Elshout

Henry Dowd-Nieto pays tribute to his father, James M. Dowd upon his investiture as a new judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District Friday in St. Louis.   Photo by Karen Elshout

A proud family applauds the speech of the youngest son of James M. Dowd, Henry Dowd-Nieto, after he pays tribute to his father, James M. Dowd, upon his investiture as a new judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District Friday in St. Louis.   Photo by Karen Elshout

A proud family applauds the youngest son of James M. Dowd, Henry Dowd-Nieto, after he pays tribute to his father, James M. Dowd upon his investiture as a new judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District Friday in St. Louis.   Photo by Karen Elshout

Missouri Supreme Court Judge Mary Russell administers the oath of office to James M. Dowd upon his investiture as a new judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District Friday in St. Louis.  Dowd’s two eldest sons stand with him.   Photo by Karen Elshout

Judge James M. Dowd stands before the court upon his investiture as a new judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District Friday in St. Louis.   Photo by Karen Elshout