[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 136 (Thursday, October 26, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING JUDGE JACK PIERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MAX SANDLIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2000

  Mr. SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, today I honor a man who is a devoted 
American, a great Texan and a great friend. I stand here today to 
recognize The Honorable Jack Pierce for his outstanding service as 
District Judge in Nacogdoches, Texas. His approaching retirement on 
December 31, 2000, will mark the end of an exceptional career.
  Judge Pierce presided over the 145th Judicial District Court as 
District Judge for 37 years and 4 months, serving as the longest seated 
judge in the history of Texas. Appointed by Governor John Connally on 
August 31, 1963, Judge Pierce will always be known for his exemplary 
public service.
  My friend Jack has roots deep in Nacogdoches. He graduated from 
Nacogdoches High School and received his bachelor's degree from Stephen 
F. Austin State University. After graduating from law school at Baylor 
University in 1958, he returned to Nacogdoches to start a family with 
Willene Bird, his wife of 32 years. He and his wife raised two 
daughters while his career began to soar.
  Remarkably, this distinguished jurist won nine consecutive elections 
as District Judge. During his progressive tenure, Judge Pierce made 
great contributions to the court system in Nacogdoches. He was the 
first local judge to name a woman to the Nacogdoches Grand Jury 
Commission. He created the ``Ninety Day Guarantee'' for court trials in 
the county, and he established the law library at the Nacogdoches 
County Courthouse. His record speaks volumes about his convictions and 
his commitment to always do the right thing.
  Although well known for his professional success, many people know 
Jack Pierce for his contributions outside the courtroom. An active 
member of Fredonia Hill Baptist Church, Judge Pierce served on the 
pastoral selection committees and was chosen as Outstanding Father in 
1991. He was chairman of the Attoyac District Boy Scouts of East Texas, 
and received the Silver Beaver Award for adult leadership. Presently, 
he advances community improvement through memberships in the Kiwanis 
Club and the Nacogdoches Booster Club.
  At the end of this year, Judget Pierce will hang up his hat, but I 
know this will not be the last we see of this great man. He knows the 
value of investing in the community, and the city of Nacogdoches is a 
better place for it. I am grateful for his dedication to the community 
through the years--his service has not gone unnoticed. Mr. Speaker, it 
is an honor for me to stand before you today to pay my respects to one 
of America's greats, Judge Jack Pierce.

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