BEAUMONT, Texas — Hearts are heavy in the Jefferson County legal community. Beaumont attorney and Judge James “Jim” Mehaffy died on Wednesday. He was 81 years old.
He was a private practice lawyer in Jefferson County from 1964 to 1994, according to Judicial Workplace Arbitrations, Inc.
On June 24, 1994, he was elected as a Beaumont Judge in the 58th District Court, and served there until his retirement in 2006, according to Broussard's Mortuary. Upon retirement, he worked as a mediator.
Jim’s battle against Parkinson’s Disease didn't stop him from traveling, volunteering, remaining an active force in the community, and attending the lunchtime meetings of AA that sustained him in his sobriety.
His peers remembered him as not only an incredible judge but a kind man.
“He gave quite a bit of himself to Court Appointed Special Advocates cases. I just thought he was ugh a great judge and a great person,” said Judge Larry Thorne of the 317th District Court.
His career accomplishments include the following:
- Conceiving and implementing the first electronic filing system in Texas
- Serving as President of the Jefferson County Bar Association
- Receiving the coveted Blackstone Award, given to one lawyer each year in recognition of the highest ethical and professional standards,
- Being awarded the Ken Lewis Texas Bar Foundation Award for Professionalism
- Receiving the statewide Texas Bar Journal’s “Best Article” award
- Founding and serving as the first president of the local Inn of Court, which members named after his late wife Michelle F. Mehaffy.
Jim is survived by his wife, four children, five siblings, and two grandchildren.
The family hopes that friends and loved ones will honor Jim’s memory by carrying on his sense of fun, spirit of community, and commitment to service to others.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking others to consider donations to the following organizations.
- CASA Southeast Texas, Inc. located at 2449 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX 77702
- The Mickey Mehaffy Children’s Advocacy Program, Inc. at the Garth House located at 1895 Mcfaddin Ave, Beaumont, TX 77701
- The H.O.W. Center located at 2509 Cable Ave, Beaumont, TX 77703
Cremation arrangements for Judge Mehaffy were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.
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