Obituary of Jim Dick Lovett

The Honorable Judge Jim Dick Lovett, age 77, of Clarksville, passed away Thursday, September 29, 2011, at Paris Regional Medical Center. Judge Lovett was retired 6th District Judge for Red River, Lamar and Fannin Counties. Judge Lovett was born August 6, 1934, in Clarksville to Ernest Otto and Ruth Williams Lovett. He married Annette Webb on August 11, 1956, in Long Beach, Mississippi. He was a member of the McKenzie Memorial United Methodist Church. Jim Dick was a 4th-generation resident of Red River County. After graduating from Clarksville High School in 1951, he earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas in 1956. Initially, he served as an attorney for oil companies, then returned to his beloved Clarksville in 1963 to raise his young family and begin his law practice. He was elected to the 6th District Court Judge in 1996 and retired in 2008. His life was marked with leadership, innovation, and service. He was instrumental in forming the Child Welfare Board which served abused and neglected children. Contributions to the law included through speaking and writing, authoring over 30 books. He passionately advocated for his clients, which included local landowners and the injured. He served in leadership positions for numerous organizations, including President of the Texas Trial Association. During his tenure as judge, he was a leader in improving justice. He helped establish a successful probation rehabilitation program using horticulture. He was awarded a Presidential Commendation from the State Bar of Texas. Texas history was important to him, and he authored a book on Red River County. He was chairman of the Red River County Courthouse Restoration Committee, which led to being awarded the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation in Texas. He had a vision for local economic development and served as chairman of the Tourism Committee. Jim also enjoyed playing guitar with friends and flying. He was a generous man with deep convictions and a respect for human dignity, regardless of race or nationality. He administered justice, and showed mercy and compassion to his fellow man Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Monday, October 3, 2011, in Lindeman Chapel of Clarksville Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Colgrove officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home. Survivors include his wife Annette of the home; a son, Colin Lovett and wife Kathy of Ft. Worth; 3 daughters, Stephanie Anderson and husband Rodney of New Braunfels, Vicky Weller and husband Mike of Austin and Amanda Lovett of Clarksville; his grandchildren, Christine Anderson, Sarah Anderson, Amy Tostanoski, Lindsey Neill, Johathon Weller, Julie Weller and Catherine Presley; and 3 great grandchildren, Clayton, Micah and Eva. Memorials may be made to McKenzie Memorial United Church, P. O. Box 635, Clarksville Texas 75426