Jimmy Parks Jr. RIP

[Murph]

Probably none of you will know who Jimmy Parks Jr. was, but I feel a need to post something about him.

Jimmy was a defense attorney in San Antonio. He was considered by many, including me, as the very best attorney in San Antonio. I met Jimmy back in 1994 when I was still a young deputy, and a courthouse Bailiff. I was astonished at how good an attorney he was, and it was always a treat to watch him work. Fast forward to 1995, I was on the road, and had made, what I thought was a very good DWI arrest.

Jimmy came in, and was his usual polite self, and he had me on the stand for what felt like days. I am not ashamed to say that he beat me like a drum. He found the one big mistake I had made in the paperwork on this, my first DWI I had done by myself. I walked out of the courtroom just whipped. As I sat in the hall waiting on the verdict (we hung the jury), Jimmy came over and sat down next to me. He put his arm around my shoulders and told me: "Now you know where you made your mistake, next time you will not make that mistake, you did a good job on this case, but you made that one mistake".

This made quite in impression on a young deputy, and I have never forgotten it. I faced Jimmy once or twice again, and I watched him in court several other time. He never browbeat, insulted, maligned, or just completely disrespected anyone on the stand. His method was like water wearing away a stone, patient, relentless, and in the end successful. I can only give Jimmy Parks Jr. the highest praise that my grandfather could give another person. "Jimmy was a Gentleman".

While a defense attorney, Jimmy never ever, forgot that both sides were working for something, and that something was justice. He was a teacher, friend, adversary, and a Gentleman. He was taken from this world far too young at 61, and will be missed by all he touched, and I will miss him. Jimmy was the kind of human being that the world could well do with more of, and seldom does. I am truely saddened by the news, and this world will be a smaller, sadder place.

Goodby Jimmy, may the Good Lord take you into his keeping, bless you, and forever hold you in his arms.

Jimmy Parks Jr Log In | Facebook

[stephenpinn]

My condolences Murphy, may he rest in peace

[brewercm]

Wow, this is the first I've heard of this today. Although I didn't know him personally I sure knew of him and heard him speak on many occasions.

[jeffclow]

You captured his essence with your kind comments so well....I'm sorry I did not get a chance to know the man.

[deep_creek]

I'd always stop and listen when he was on the radio (KTSA). He always had great information and conveyed it with kindness, sincerity, and humor that I'm sure made everyone smile that heard him.