Born in Seattle, Tim grew up in the small town of Aberdeen, and then attended Washington State University in Pullman. Graduating with a B.S. in Psychology in 1968, Tim got to Texas as fast as he could, coming to study the Bible for the summer of 1968. Tim has remained in Houston, studying the Bible, ever since, except for two years of Army service during which, for outstanding service in Viet Nam, Tim was awarded the Bronze Star.
In 1974, Tim met native Houstonian Mary Lynne through their mutual interest in ballroom dancing. They were married later that year, while Tim was working as a misdemeanor court clerk before entering law school. Tim also began seven years of service in the Texas Airborne National Guard at that time. During law school at the University of Houston, Tim and Mary Lynne had two children, Tim II and Christina.
Tim II is now an Eagle Scout, an Aggie, and a 1st Lt. in the Army Reserves. He served two tours in Iraq. The first tour was with his own Houston Engineering Company that laid pipeline to carry fuel to forward troops during the hot war. The second tour he filled in for a Dallas road-building battalion stationed just north of Baghdad. In between, Tim II began pursuing an actuarial career. Since returning, he has become engaged to be married to Ruthie Jodeit.
Tim and Mary Lynne are also mighty proud of Christina, a two-time United States champion in Scottish Highland Dancing. Christina graduated from South Texas College of Law in May 2002, passed the Texas bar, and married law school classmate, Howard Clayton III. After Howard's JAG school in Virginia, they moved to Fort Huachuca, near Tucson, Arizona, where they will be stationed for a few years. Howard was promoted to Captain, and they had a baby girl, Katherine Grace, during 2003.
Tim’s legal career began at the Harris County District Attorney's Office in January, 1979. During 1½ years in the trial bureau, Tim tried 60 cases, 37 to juries. During 14½ years in the appellate division, Tim handled more than 950 appeals including 15 death penalties. In 1994, Tim was elected to the First Court of Appeals where he has served since January, 1995. Tim administers the intern program at the Court, and frequently supports law student activities. Tim takes an avid interest as a board member of the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Houston. Tim and Mary Lynne are officers in a local ballroom dancing club and very active in Pine Valley Bible Church.
Updated: 13-Oct-2006
