[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 30, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4375-S4376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO FORMER JUSTICE RICHARD L. ``RED'' JONES

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, retired Alabama Supreme Court Justice 
Richard ``Red'' Jones passed away on April 22. I had the pleasure of 
serving with him on the court in the mid-1970's, and remember well his 
great wit and ability to tell stories. He was also a true legal scholar 
who approached cases and issues with zeal accompanied by seriousness. 
He loved the law. He was always tenacious in his determination to 
arrive at the correct decision under the law.
  Red grew up in rural Pickens County, located in west-central Alabama, 
where he was known by his initials, ``R.L.'' People there continued to 
refer to him as R.L. throughout his life, as opposed

[[Page S4376]]

to Richard, Dick, or Red. While he was growing up in this part of 
Alabama, he had an insatiable appetite for reading and for educating 
himself. He loved to tell of how he took full advantage of the book 
mobiles that would come around during those days bringing books to 
residents in rural areas.
  Red attended law school at the University of Alabama. He began 
practicing law in Aliceville, AL, after obtaining his law degree. He 
later practiced in Fairfield and eventually became a partner in a 
Bessemer law firm. He then moved his law office to Birmingham, but had 
clients all over Alabama.
  Red was an outstanding trial attorney. He handled many cases seeking 
compensation for lung diseases suffered by coal miners and cotton gin 
workers, and served for a time as the president of the Alabama 
Plaintiff Lawyers Association, now known as the Alabama Trial Lawyers 
Association. As a plaintiff attorney, he was highly regarded as an 
ardent advocate by attorneys and judges in both the criminal and civil 
fields.
  He served on the Alabama Supreme Court for a total of 18 years, from 
1973 to 1991. He was generally known for his keen understanding of the 
law and its majesty. He wrote his opinions in clear language so that 
all could understand them. While on the State's high court, he was 
consistently supportive of all judicial reform efforts. He was a true 
champion in the area of improving the administration of justice. He 
oversaw the establishment of the unified judicial system, the rules of 
procedure that govern the trials in both civil and criminal cases, and 
the establishment of training programs for judges, clerks and 
registers, judicial assistants, and court reporters. He participated in 
the revision of the Alabama code, serving on the code revision 
committee.
  One of the hallmarks of his esteemed career was his excellent service 
as commissioner of the uniform State law commission. This commission's 
job was to propose State laws which could serve as models for the 
States, such as uniform commercial codes. He was highly regarded for 
his work on the commission. As I traveled, I encountered people all 
over the country who praised his accomplishments in developing model 
State laws.
  Red's sense of self-deprecating humor is something I will always 
remember about him. He had a way of putting people at ease through 
humor and amusing stories, and often made himself the brunt of his own 
jokes. As his pastor at Shades Valley Presbyterian Church said so 
correctly of him: ``He was a great talker, a great storyteller, and a 
great friend.'' It seemed as if he used humor to put serious problems 
and issues in their proper perspective so that personal passions and 
feelings would not interfere with his decisionmaking. It helped him 
retain his objectivity when considering a case.
  He had an abiding interest in serving others by volunteering his time 
in several civic organizations and associations that he felt would 
improve the communities in which he lived or that he thought would 
advance his profession. He believed strongly in country, family, and 
faith.
  At his funeral, Justice Hugh Maddox gave a warm eulogy to his long-
time friend, saying:

       Red Jones had boundless energy, and although Red has passed 
     his baton to those of us who are still in the race . . . he 
     left with us the legacy of how the race should be run. He 
     prepared well, he was totally committed, and he ran with 
     endurance.

  One of his last acts on the court a few years ago was to swear in 
Alabama's newest lawyers--among them his son, Rick Jones--who had 
recently been admitted to the State bar.
  Judge Red Jones was an outstanding lawyer, family man, and public 
servant. Everyone liked him and enjoyed his companionship. I will miss 
him greatly.
  I extend my sincerest condolences to his wife, Jean, and their entire 
family in the wake of this immeasurable and untimely loss.

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