[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E5]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JUDGE SCANLAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 1999

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues in 
Congress to join me in paying tribute to an outstanding individual, 
Judge James ``Jim'' Scanlan. Judge Scanlan recently retired after 
serving Harris County residents for 21 years on the Probate Court No. 3 
bench.
  Judge Scanlan, a native of Dallas, landed in Houston after he got out 
of the Coast Guard in Galveston and could not afford to make it all the 
way back to Dallas. He worked as an elevator repairman while he earned 
a bachelor's degree and a law degree at the University of Houston. He 
decided to run for the Probate Court No. 3 while he was working for the 
Probate Court No. 2. Judge Scanlon won that first election and has not 
faced any opposition since.
  While the majority of Jim's time was spent hearing cases on wills, 
guardianships, and estates, Judge Scanlon also spent two days a week 
for the last twenty one years hearing cases dealing with people with 
psychiatric problems. He recalled many humorous situations, such as the 
time there were two people scheduled on the docket--both claiming to be 
Jesus Christ. But his guiding principle and reason for his success is 
that he treats everyone gently and with respect.
  There have been so many changes in the way society deals with mental 
illness since Judge Scanlon first started hearing cases. While he 
marvels at the improvements in medicine, he is most proud of the 
``miracle that happened'' when Harris County replaced the old 
psychiatric hospital with the Harris County Psychiatric Hospital. That 
change signaled a real sense of responsibility that people with mental 
illness need and deserve quality medical care.
  Judge Scanlon's decision to retire is definitely a blow to the Harris 
County community. His 21 years of dedicated service will leave a legacy 
for future judges. Those people who have found themselves before Judge 
Scanlon are very fortunate to have benefited from his dedication and 
understanding of the law.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Judge Scanlon for his service 
to Harris County. Those of us who know Judge Scanlon are truly grateful 
for his leadership and wish him well in all his future endeavors.

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