[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 19, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S12847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO ATTORNEY AT LAW JIMMY E. ALEXANDER

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Jimmy E. Alexander, a prominent and respected lawyer from Athens, 
Limestone County, in northern Alabama. Mr. Alexander passed away last 
month after a long and distinguished career in law practice. His deep 
passion for his work took him on a journey from the smallest courtrooms 
in Alabama, to the great and hallowed halls of the U.S. Supreme Court. 
His dedication and heartfelt concern for the ``little guy'' was an 
inspiration. Jimmy will be missed by the many people whose lives he 
touched and affected.
  Jimmy was born in Bear Creek, in Marion County, in 1939. After 
graduation from Russellville High School in 1957, Jimmy went on to 
continue his education at the University of Alabama, receiving his 
undergraduate degree in 1960, and his law degree in 1963. Jimmy's 
innate industriousness and work ethic were tailor-made for his chosen 
profession. Jimmy quickly developed a reputation as an outstanding 
criminal defense attorney and successful domestic relations lawyer. 
Joining the firm of Malone, Malone and Steel directly out of law 
school, he soon was made partner and ultimately became senior partner 
of the firm Alexander, Corder, Plunk, Baker, Shelly, and Shipman P.C., 
in Athens, AL. Jimmy was the city attorney for Athens and Ardmore for 
17 years. He served on the city Board of Education for 5 years and was 
the Alabama Bar Association Commissioner for the 39th judicial circuit 
for 4 years.
  It was through these professional forums that Jimmy was able to 
thrive in his work and gain a statewide reputation as a standout trial 
attorney. In private practice for 36 years, Jimmy has counseled 
businesses, commercial clients, and recently, had taken a strong 
interest in championing the cause of the ``little guy.'' Particularly 
for the last 15 years, he focused on representing the poor, under 
represented, physically injured, and financially cheated, many of whom 
had no where else to turn than Jimmy Alexander. Jimmy developed a 
particular fondness for taking on big business, insurance companies, 
and large industry. He represented many high profile cases, and in 
1989, won the largest monetary judgment at the time in Limestone County 
and in another case, setting a precedent for the largest monetary 
judgement in the entire State of Alabama. His gifted ability even took 
him before the U.S. Supreme Court, where he argued a case against an 
insurance company.
  Jimmy Alexander will be remembered as a dedicated attorney, who 
brought human compassion to his work. Many of his colleagues have 
expressed their respect and admiration for his approach to both his 
work and his life, and I join them in their prayers for him and his 
family. My thoughts and wishes extend to his wife Rose, and two 
children, Tonya and Eric, during this difficult time. Mr. President, I 
yield the floor.

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