[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 196 (Wednesday, December 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1657-E1658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF 1ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE JIM 
                                 POUNDS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2018

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
retirement of one of Mississippi's most devoted citizens and public 
servants, the Honorable Jim Pounds. Judge Pounds is a man of 
distinction who has demonstrated an outstanding devotion to God, 
family, and his fellow man. Throughout his exemplary personal and 
professional life, Judge Pounds defined what it means to be a good and 
faithful public servant.
  Judge Pounds, a native of Booneville, Mississippi, graduated from 
Booneville High School in 1972. Upon graduation, Judge Pounds attended 
Northeast Mississippi Community College, where he pursued an Associate 
Degree in Business Administration. Barbara Hughes, a retired NEMCC 
Business Division Instructor, said Judge Pounds was a standout student 
who once served as the state president of the Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) 
Mississippi chapter. ``As a Phi Beta Lambda advisor, I had the 
opportunity to work closely with Judge Pounds,'' Mrs. Hughes said. 
``Our paths would continue to cross as we are both residents of 
Booneville and members of the Booneville First United Methodist Church. 
Judge Pounds has and continues to play an active role in our church. He 
taught the Senior High School Sunday School Class for 12 years and 
served two terms as the Pastor Parish Relations Chairman and the Church 
Leadership Chairman. He also served as a member of the Board of 
Trustees. He is a good family man, honest, sincere, and a person you 
can easily talk to. I was proud to see Judge Pounds inducted into the 
Northeast Mississippi Community College Alumnus Hall of Fame in 2013. I 
am even more proud to have him as a dear friend.''
  Following the completion of his studies at NEMCC, Judge Pounds 
attended Mississippi State University, where he pursued a degree in 
Banking & Finance. After receiving his degree, Judge pounds intended to 
follow his father's footsteps and work at the Peoples Bank. A rule 
preventing family members from working together led to a career change 
which brought Judge Pounds to law school. ``God had a different plan,'' 
Judge Pounds said. ``He wanted me to be an attorney and a judge rather 
than a banker.''
  Prior to graduating from the Mississippi College School of Law in 
Jackson, Judge Pounds married his high school sweetheart, Susan Echols. 
During their 38 years of marriage, Judge Pounds and his wife raised two 
children, Seth and Kala. Judge Pounds took an active role in his 
children's lives serving as an Assistant Scout Master in the local 
chapter of the Boys Scouts of America Troop 37 and coaching little 
league baseball for 20 years. ``I am so proud of his many 
accomplishments,'' Mrs. Pounds said. ``His devotion to family is 
unending. I've witnessed that same devotion in our church, his work, 
and in our community. I could say so much about his good works, but one 
of his finest accomplishments was Kids Town, a project for which he 
served as coordinator. It is one of the largest community-built 
playgrounds in Mississippi. He also served as co-coordinator for the 
playground built at the Corinth City Park.''
  In 1981, Judge Pounds worked as a senior attorney for the Mississippi 
State Tax Commission and the Alcohol Beverage Control Division. His 
career path would lead him to the 1st Judicial District Attorney's 
Office, where he served as an assistant district attorney for 18 years. 
John Weddle, 1st Judicial District Attorney, said Judge Pounds will be 
missed. ``Jim Pounds has been an indispensable asset to the First 
Circuit Judicial District, not only as a prosecutor, but during his 
years as Circuit Court Judge as well,'' Weddle said. ``The district 
attorney's office is grateful for his integrity, as well as his balance 
of toughness on crime with compassion toward people involved in the 
criminal justice system.''
  In 2006, Judge Pounds was elected to serve as the 1st Judicial 
District Circuit Court Judge. He was known for his fair and measured 
decisions in and out of the courtroom. In 2008, Judge Pounds' 
passionate concern for the wellbeing of others led him to pursue what 
would become one of the most important roles of his long and remarkable 
career. Judge Pounds and former 1st Judicial District Circuit Court 
Judge Sharion Aycock formed the 1st Judicial District Drug Court. 
Jennifer Cummings, 1st Judicial District Drug Court Coordinator, said 
Judge Pounds did not receive any compensation for the extra workload 
that came with the drug court docket. ``To me, that shows a true desire 
to help others,'' Mrs. Cummings said. ``Judge Pounds has made a 
tremendous difference in the lives of those addicted to drugs and 
alcohol. He has been instrumental in helping to rehabilitate 
participants, so they will become productive citizens. I have seen him 
cheer on those who have successfully completed the three-year program. 
I have also seen his tears while participants read their testimonials. 
Judge Pounds has saved many lives. Under his leadership, there have 
been more than 50 drug-free babies born.''
  Darren Herring, a former investigator for the 1st Judicial District, 
also praised Judge Pounds for his devotion to helping others lead drug-
free lives. ``Judge Pounds' dedication to the 1st Judicial District of 
Mississippi is reflected by the numerous participants that successfully 
completed drug court under his guidance,'' Herring said. ``By his 
tireless efforts, Judge Pounds transformed many lives from that of drug 
dependency to being productive members of our society.''
  Good leadership is about building and maintaining strong 
relationships, a quality Judge Pounds has demonstrated throughout his 
life. Prentiss County Sheriff Randy Tolar said his relationship with 
Judge Pounds has and continues to have a profound impact on his life. 
``He influenced my career as a young, rookie law enforcement officer--a 
relationship that

[[Page E1658]]

formed the foundation of my career as a five-term sheriff,'' Sheriff 
Tolar said. ``He has been an inspiration to me and to so many others, 
including drug court participants. He wants to see people do better and 
turn their lives around. No one in the criminal justice system has 
impacted lives more than him. His compassion for people is 
unparalleled.''
  In November 2018, a retirement reception was held for Judge Pounds at 
the Booneville First United Methodist Church. Mississippi State 
District 3 Representative Tracy Arnold, a Prentiss County native, was 
among scores of people who came to greet Judge Pounds and his family. 
Rep. Arnold has known Judge Pounds for most of his life. ``He is a 
pillar of the community,'' Rep. Arnold said. ``He is a man of 
incredible stature and character and is revered for his impeccable 
expertise and dedication to public service.''
  Judge Pounds said his decision to retire was not an easy one, but he 
wants to spend more time with their children and three grandchildren; 
Jackson and George Pounds, and Tays LeGrand. I wish Judge Pounds and 
his family many more years of happiness. Judge Pounds' service to the 
1st Judicial District and to his community will always be remembered 
and celebrated.

                          ____________________