Justice W. Joel Blass
Judge W. Joel Blass, having enjoyed a lengthy and productive
legal practice, served as a justice of the Mississippi Supreme
Court and subsequently returned to private practice. Judge Blass
was born in Clinton, Mississippi, in 1940 and upon graduating from
Louisiana State University Law School moved to Stone County,
Mississippi; however, his legal career was interrupted as well by
World War II, which prompted him to join the United States Army. He
was decorated for valor for his actions during World War II. He
also served honorably during the Korean conflict.
After his active military service, the Judge set up his law
practice in Wiggins, Mississippi, and was elected to the state
legislature in 1953 and again in 1957. Judge Blass taught law at
the University of Mississippi Law School from 1965 through 1991
whereupon he returned to Ole Miss to assume the Whitten Chair of
Law & Government. Judge Blass has received numerous civic and
professional awards and makes every effort to attend and
participate in the programs of the chapter.
Justice Dan M. Russell, Jr.
The judge was born in 1913 in Magee, Mississippi, and graduated
from the University of Mississippi Law School in 1937. He began his
law practice in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; however, his practice
was interrupted by the out-break of World War II. He enlisted in
the United States Navy and served with distinction as a Naval
Intelligence officer. After the war, Judge Russell returned to Bay
St. Louis and enjoyed a successful practice for over two
decades.
He was appointed to the federal bench during the administration
of President Lyndon Johnson. During his first two decades as a
United States District judge for the Southern District of
Mississippi, he was called to participate in the integration of the
public schools of Mississippi; a duty which earned him the praise
of few. At various times he presided over the reapportionment of
the State Legislature and the redistricting of the various Boards
of Supervisors. At this writing he sits as a Senior Status Judge
and maintains a docket consistent with the guidelines of the
implementing statutes. He is faithfully present at our meetings and
can always be counted upon to contribute to the program.
Justice Harry G. Walker
A life long resident and distinguished citizen of Harrison
County, Mississippi, Judge Harry G. Walker passed away April 15,
2000. Justice Walker was born in Ovette, Jones County, Mississippi,
in 1924. His father, a physician, moved the family to Gulfport when
the younger Walker was about six and he attended Gulfport High
School until he reached the eleventh grade, at which time he joined
the United States Coast Guard. His military service was cut short
by an accident which eventually led to his becoming confined to a
wheel chair. His injuries and paralysis would have stopped a lesser
man; however, Judge Walker was a fighter and refused to be limited
by his disability. He returned to civilian life and completed his
education including graduation from the University of Mississippi
with a bachelor and masters degree and in 1952, Walker graduated
from the University of Mississippi Law School.
He then began his practice of law in Gulfport; a successful
endeavor which he pursued for approximately twelve years before he
was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives, he held
this position for a year before resigning to accept an appointment
as Harrison County Court Judge, a position he held until 1968, when
he was appointed Circuit Judge for the Second Judicial District.
Four years later, Judge Walker won election to the State Supreme
Court. He served as associate justice from January 1973 to July
1982; as presiding justice from July 1982 to July 1986; and as
Chief Justice from July 1986 until his retirement in October of
1987. Justice Walker made every effort to attend and participate in
the American Inns of Court and will be sorely missed by the bench
and bar.