Flags at half staff at Miller County Courthouse -- UPDATE

Tha flags are at half staff today here at our local county courthouse in honor of Circuit Judge Jim Hudson, who died yesterday. Supreme Court Justice Jim Gunter, who once served on the bench here in the 8th Judicial District alongside Hudson, posted a comment in the previous thread. I'm headed over to KTXK to do a radio interview on Hudson now.

A devout Methodist, Hudson still spent one weekend in silence each year at Manresa, a beautiful Catholic retreat in southern Louisiana. My dad remembers that when Hudson returned to Texarkana from law school, the sentiment was that he'd be serving in Congress within a few election cycles. He went the judicial route and served as the elected prosecutor then circuit judge for several terms. As of his death yesterday, he was in the running for an appointment to the federal bench here in the Western District of Arkansas.

Update: The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6th at First United Methodist Church at 400 East 6th Street in Texarkana. A memorial scholarship fund in his honor was created today at Hendrix College.

Here are a few articles:
Associated Press
Texarkana Gazette
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Topix Ark-side; Topix Tex-side

Statement by Sen. Blanche Lincoln: “Jim Hudson was not only a respected attorney and judge but also a wonderful family man, trusted friend, dedicated church member, and valued community leader,” Lincoln said. “When I met with Jim earlier this year, I was extremely impressed by his long record of service and the role he might play as a federal judge. I know he will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s family and friends as they cope with the loss of such a treasured man. Jim’s tragic passing reminds us all that life is precious and much too short.”