PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) - Arizona Supreme Court Justice Michael Ryan is retiring from the court.

Ryan, who made the announcement Tuesday, also said his last day on the job will be Aug. 6. Gov. Jan Brewer is charged with finding a replacement in the state's merit selection system.

"It has been an honor to work in Arizona's judicial system for more than 30 years," Ryan said.

"Clearly, serving on the Arizona Supreme Court has been the highlight of my career but I have truly enjoyed every court I have served on. With retirement, I look forward to continuing to serve my community but this will allow me to spend more time with my family as well as allow flexibility to work on various public service projects."

In Arizona, the governor must pick from a pool of three candidates recommended by a commission. Then, voters decide if they want to keep the justice every six years.

Ryan was appointed to the court in 2002 by then-Gov. Jane Hull. He has spent nearly 25 years as a judge in the state.

Ryan retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1969 as a result of wounds received in Vietnam, where he served as a platoon commander. His last rank was First Lieutenant and he was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star.

From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at jobrienwv@gmail.com.