Judge John Gargiulo Memorial Scholarship

The Honorable John C. Gargiulo was an accomplished veteran, lawyer, judge, father and friend. Although he passed away far too young in October 2021, his legacy will live on at his alma mater, the University of Mississippi School of Law, thanks to a new scholarship in his memory.  

We invite you to contribute to the John C. Gargiulo Memorial Law School Scholarship to honor his service to others and to encourage the members of a new generation who wish to follow in his footsteps.

The Gargiulo Scholarship will benefit law school students who, like him, his four brothers and his father, proudly served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Judge Gargiulo attended the University of Southern Mississippi on a full military scholarship. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science, he was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a military intelligence officer assigned to the 24th Infantry Division in 1989. He deployed with the division into the combat zone of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and concluded his active duty service in 1994 as a battalion operations officer.  

Judge Gargiulo was a proud father to Jordan, Andrew, and Katherine.

After leaving active military duty, Judge Gargiulo attended Ole Miss Law School, earning his Juris Doctor in 1998. 

After law school, he initially worked in a civil defense firm but transitioned into prosecution upon appointment as an assistant district attorney.

At the same time he launched his legal career, he continued to serve his country in the military. He joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 2000 and joined the Mississippi Army National Guard in December 2001. He served as administrative services chief of the 1108th AVCRAD in Gulfport and attained the rank of colonel.

In 2009, Gov. Haley Barbour appointed him as a circuit court judge. In 2014, Judge Gargiulo was appointed by the Federal District Court to serve as a United State Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi, where he faithfully served until his passing.  

Judge Gargiulo often toasted to "La Famiglia!" and cherished his relationship with his brothers and sister.

Judge Gargiulo was held in high esteem throughout his legal career for more than just his impressive accomplishments. Known for being fair, humble, organized, hard-working and respectful of all who entered his courtroom, Judge Gargiulo also quietly mentored and encouraged countless legal colleagues across the state.

Judge Gargiulo’s legacy will live on in all people who respected him and learned from him. By supporting this scholarship in his name, we give future generations of military veterans the opportunity to add to Judge Gargiulo’s legacy for many years to come. Please make a gift today!