James Latane Noel, Jr.

James Latane Noel Jr. (October 28, 1909 – August 29, 1997) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Portrait of Judge James L. Noel in Courtroom 11A of the Bob Casey Federal Building in Houston, Texas.

Education and career

Born in Pilot Point, Texas, Noel received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Southern Methodist University in 1931, a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from that institution in 1932, and a Bachelor of Laws from Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University in 1937. He was an assistant district attorney of Dallas County, Texas from 1937 to 1938, and was then Attorney General of Texas from 1939 to 1942, and from 1945 to 1946. He served in the United States Naval Reserve during World War II. He was in private practice in Houston, Texas from 1946 to 1961.

Federal judicial service

On October 5, 1961, Noel received a recess appointment from President John F. Kennedy to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas created by 75 Stat. 80. He was formally nominated to the same seat by President Kennedy on January 15, 1962. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 16, 1962, and received his commission on March 17, 1962. He assumed senior status on December 15, 1976, serving in that capacity until his death on August 29, 1997, in Houston.