[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 39 (Thursday, March 22, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E429-E430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO JUDGE J.W. SUMMERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM TURNER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2001

  Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in memory of Judge J.W. Summers, a 
leader in the Texas judicial system and a fine man who dedicated his 
life to public service.
  Judge Summers had something that many in this chamber undoubtably 
envy--an unblemished political career, in which he never suffered a 
defeat in his various races for public office. But it wasn't his 
winning streak that made him stand out, but rather it was his 
reputation for integrity and impartiality in the administration of 
justice that earned him the respect and admiration of all of us who 
knew him.

[[Page E430]]

  Judge Summers was destined for leadership from his early years, when 
he graduated from Rusk High School as an Eagle Scout and valedictorian 
of his class. Judge Summers served bravely in the Navy during World War 
II, and graduated with honors from a great institution of higher 
learning--the University of Texas in Austin.
  But Judge Summers didn't stay in Austin--he came back to his roots in 
Rusk. After several years of private practice, he served as city 
attorney, county attorney, and county judge of Cherokee County for 
eight years.
  Judge Summers will be remembered for his many successes as County 
Judge of Cherokee County. Every year of his administration, Judge 
Summers won a top financial rating for the county. He payed off 
remaining debt on the county courthouse, oversaw the construction of 
the Cherokee County Agricultural Annex Building, and secured the 
development of many State Farm-to-Market roads, as well as the US 
Highway 69 stretch from Rusk to Jacksonville.
  From 1957 to 1978 he served as District Judge for the Second Judicial 
District. After 21 years in the job, he continued his service as Chief 
Justice of the Court of Appeals for the 12th Supreme Judicial District 
of Texas, a position he held until 1989.
  Judge Summers and his wife Inez were active members of their 
community, participating in the First United Methodist Church in Rusk, 
where each served as chairman of the Administrative Council. Judge 
Summers was also president of the Kiwanis Club and a member of Euclid 
Lodge Number 45. Judge Summers passed away on November 26, 2000.
  Our prayers are with Mrs. Summers, the couples' children, 
grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and their friends and family 
members who will share their grief--and their memories--in this time of 
sadness.

                          ____________________