James Terrell

Terrell
A memorial service for James Terrell, 67, of Waco, will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 25 at St.Paul’s Episcopal Church, 515 Columbus Ave., with the Rev. Dr. Michael Attas officiating. Arrangements are under the directions of Grace Gardens Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will follow at the McLennan County Courthouse Visiting Judge’s Courtroom.
Mr. Terrell was born July 3, 1946, in Henderson to James Freeman Terrell and Audrey (Deloney) Terrell and died Feb. 21.
He graduated in 1964 from Garden City Kansas) High School, where he was co-captain of the football team. He returned to Texas to attend Baylor University and Baylor Law School, earning his juris doctor in 1972. Jim began his law practice as he conducted it for the next 42 years, fighting for the underdog. He started out representing indigent defendants, then spent the bulk of his career as a civil litigation specialist at Terrell & Crowden, with his wife and law partner Beverly (Ashley) Crowden. He relished using his quick wit and storytelling mastery in jury trials and as a mediator and board member at the McLennan County Dispute Resolution Center.
Mr. Terrell helped train future generations of quick-thinking storytellers as an attorney advisor for the Waco High and Vanguard mock trial teams. He was an expert gardener, gourmet chef, amateur computer technician, sailor (and, later, model ship builder), and collector of treasures ranging from antique tools to good jokes. He was active in the Waco Kiwanis Club and an avid fan of Baylor football. He never met a cheeseburger or Coca-Cola he did not love.
He was preceded in death by his father, James.
Survivors include his mother, Audrey; his wife, Beverly; his daughter R. Fleming Terrell and son-in-law, Michael of Washington, D.C.; his sister Becky Slater and brother-in-law, Larry of Kerrville; and by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family sends its heartfelt thanks to the wonderful physicians, nurses, and caregivers who worked with Jim at Providence Health Center, Encompass Home Health, Home Instead and St. Catherine’s Center.
The family has requested no flowers. Memorial gifts to support the Waco High Mock Trial Team may be sent to WISD Education Foundation, c/o Waco High Mock Trial, 2020 N. 42 St., Waco, TX 76710.