Jones, Marvin, 1886-1976

Jurist, legislator.

Attorney, U.S. Congressman, presidential adviser and federal judge. Born in 1886 near Valley Veiw, Texas. Graduated from Southwestern University (1905), obtained his law degree from the University of Texas (1907), began practicing law in Amarillo, Texas (1908), served in Congress for twelve terms (1917-1940) helping West Texas to secure public buildings, a Veterans Administration Hospital, and a Soil Conservation Office. In 1931, he became chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee which handled the major New Deal farm legislation of which the Agriculture Adjustment Acts of 1933 and 1938, the Great Plains water conservation program, and the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act were a part. In 1940, Jones began serving on the U.S. Court of Claims.

In 1943, he joined the Roosevelt Administration as an advisor and assistant to James (Jimmy) F. Byrnes, Director of Economic Stabilization. Also, in 1943, Jones became the government's chief wartime administrator on food production and availability. After the war, Jones returned to the Court of Claims and became Chief Justice in 1947. But, Jones continued his efforts in enhancing world food supplies by working through numerous United Nations conferences.

Though he retired from the Court of Claims in 1964, he was appointed a Senior Federal Judge. Marvin Jones was a long-time member of the West Texas Chamber of Commerce. In 1951, Texas A & M awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Law degree. In 1961, Jones became an honorary member of the National Lawyers Club, Inc., and funded numerous charities. Died 1976.