Juvenile courtroom named after former judge

By Sherry Koonce The Port Arthur News BEAUMONT — By Sherry Koonce The News staff writer BEAUMONT —Family, friends and colleagues of the late Judge James M. Farris gathered in the Jefferson County jury impaneling room Friday morning to remember the man who earned local, state and national recognition for his good works. Known for his quick wit and boundless compassion for children, Farris was paid tribute Friday during a portrait unveiling and courtroom dedication ceremony. A courtroom at the Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center was named in Farris’ honor. The day just happened to be Farris’ birthday, 317th District Court Judge Larry Thorne, said of his longtime friend and colleague. “For a short, fat judge from Hull-Daisetta, he cast a big shadow, Thorne said, adding that the former judge was a great humanitarian, much like... [read full story]