Monday, April 18, 2011

Joe Roach

We were all saddened to learn today of the passing of Joe Roach, a long-time defense attorney, former prosecutor, and Houston City Councilman.

Joe was a familiar face at the CJC and was well-known advocate for his clients.  He was smart, persistent and good in trial.

At the time I first met him, he was long since past his days as a prosecutor and a City Council member, but he loved to tell stories about his time with the Office.  If I recall correctly, he told me that he had made Felony Chief in under four years.

He always had a kind word and always asked about my son.  I always appreciated that.  I will miss seeing him around the courthouse.

My condolences go out to his wife and three children.

9 comments:

Mary Bacon said...

I was lucky enough to be on the bench when Joe was a prosecutor assigned to the 338th. He was smart, courageous, humorous, fair, and a wonderful friend. He and Becky built a terrific family of which he had reason to be very proud.

We were all fortunate to have had the opportunity to vote for him, both to express our admiration, and to elect an outstanding public servant to office.

I miss him. Mary Bacon

Unknown said...

Joe was always such a gentleman and a zealous advocate for his clients. I always enjoyed having him on a case because he was always honest, trustworthy and straightforward.

Bert Graham said...

I was fortunate to be on the recruiting mission to SMU Law School looking for early commitments when we interviewed Joe. He had an excellent career as a prosecutor and yes he did make felony chief before 4 years. In the later interview before the Hiring Committee in answer to a question, he commented about how he felt committed to being the best he could be in some part due to the realization that in Europe just 200 or 300 years before, people like him were given away by royalty as gifts. He certainly lived a life that demonstrated he was a bigger man than most of any size. Condolences to his family. Bert Graham

Sid Crowley said...

I was with the DAs office when Joe came on board in the 80s. He always had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. This is a terrific shock, and he will definitely be missed.

Anonymous said...

Judge Bacon who was one of the best jurists to ever be at the courthouse loved Joe. He was always very professional and fair. He was a good guy.We need Judge Bacon back-----She would get some of the squirley jurists put in their place. She has forgotten more law than most of them will ever know.They are to busy being mean and unpleasant and consorting with prosecutors on how to screw the defendant

NPH said...

I was really saddened to hear of Joe's passing. He was always respectful to me as a prosecutor and was genuinely a nice guy who cared about his clients. This was a shock to me as I had seen him a few weeks ago and he seemed as vivacious as ever. He was my councilman as I grew up in Clear Lake and he always impressed me. RIP Joe Roach. Condolences and best wishes to his wife and family.

Anonymous said...

With the passing of Joe Roach, Tody Dupont and the death of your friend's father, this has been a rough month for you Murray. Keep your head up. You're a good man and a good friend.

Murray Newman said...

Thanks Anon 9:34 a.m.,
It has definitely been a rough month. I will certainly be glad to have it in the rear-view mirror.

jigmeister said...

What shocking news. Joe was a good guy. I had the pleasure of working with him in Special Crimes for several years and found him to be a great lawyer and asset to the office. He was always professional, friendly, and committed to his job. A good friend. We'll miss you buddy.

Episode Seven: The Voters Awaken - A One Act -Sci-Fi Play

SCENE:  The Death Star orbits over Downtown Houston. [INTERIOR] The Imperial Council Chambers. EMPRESS OGG sits at the head of a long table ...