Memory Book for Judge Jerry Buchmeyer
Share your memories and donate in the name of Judge Jerry Buchmeyer



Candle

I appeared before Judge Buchmeyer as a plaintiff during the 1970's. I was impressed with his ruling from the bench. His ruling was fair and honest to both parties.


Posted by: Tom Manley    Nov 30, 2009


Of the many qualities I'll remember about Judge Buchmeyer, the one that will always stand out to me was his fantastic sense of humor.

For many years, we were extremely fortunate that Judge Buchmeyer wrote a legal humor column in the Texas Bar Journal. It always was one of the best-read parts of the magazine.

Judge Buchmeyer played no favorites in targeting his humor. As the editor of the Texas Bar Journal, I was no exception.

I edited one of his early columns to replace with dashes some words that might be offensive.

Judge Buchmeyer’s next column, "Pornographic Nursery Rhymes," illustrated that omitting words can have worse implications than including them.

For example: Little Miss Muffet (who --- on a tuffet) and Peter Piper (who ------ a peck of pickled peppers...

I got it. During our subsequent 10-year editor-columnist relationship, I don’t think I tinkered with another of Judge Buchmeyer's columns.

That wasn't because he was a Federal judge and I was a young magazine editor. That was because I trusted him.

I'll always be grateful for the countless contributions Judge Buchmeyer made to our society as a person and as a judge.

Also, I'll always be grateful for the countless contributions he made to help all of us recognize the value of humor in just about every situation.

Ginger Banks
Editor, Texas Bar Journal, 1979-1991


Posted by: Ginger Banks - Austin, TX   Oct 01, 2009




Judge Jerry Buchmeyer
Judge Jerry Buchmeyer

Retired US District Judge remembered for his ruling on a housing discrimination case in Texas.