The Honorable Jerry Buchmeyer (1933-2009)

U.S. District Judge Jerry Buchmeyer passed away this week. I was Judge Buchmeyer's law clerk a decade (or so) ago when he was the Chief Judge of the Northern District of Texas. While I won't detail here his impact as a jurist, or his many contributions to the legal community in Dallas, the State of Texas and beyond, I did want to take a moment to mark the passing of this remarkable man. His compassion, warmth and sense of humor were legendary. As an employer, mentor and friend, he was an inspiration.

But the thing I'm most thankful for is that, without Judge Buchmeyer, I would not have met my wife. She was trying to call another number in the courthouse, misdialed, and reached Judge Buchmeyer's chambers instead. I picked up the phone and the rest -- as they say -- is history.

Happy trails, Judge Buchmeyer. You'll be missed.

--A

PS: For additional coverage (which doesn't include the part about me meeting my wife), see Associated Press; Dallas Morning News; Ft. Worth Star-Telegram; The Conglomerate; Wall Street Journal Law Blog