Norvell, James R., 1902-1969

Born in Hayden, Colorado, James Rankin Norvell (1902-1969) was the son of Robert and Jane Norvell. An attorney and judge by profession, Norvell graduated from the University of Colorado with both a baccalaureate and law degree and was admitted to the Texas bar in 1926. On April 21, 1927 he married Mabel Elizabeth Keeley (1903-1990) and settled in Edinburg, Texas, where he practiced law for thirteen years as a partner in the firm Kelley, Looney, and Norvell. In 1940, Norvell was elected associate justice of the Fourth Court of Civil Appeals in San Antonio, and was subsequently appointed associate justice of the Texas Supreme Court in 1956. During his time in San Antonio, Norvell supported the development of a law school at St. Mary’s University where he became an adjunct professor. A contributor to numerous law journals, Norvell was also actively sought as a public speaker. In addition, he was a member of the Texas Masons, an organization in which he held several positions, including Inspector General Honorary.

Source:

Pollard, Blaire. Norvell, James R. Handbook of Texas Online . Accessed January 6, 2011. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fnohc .

Born in Hayden, Colorado, James Rankin Norvell (1902-1969) was the son of Robert and Jane Norvell.

An attorney and judge by profession, Norvell graduated from the University of Colorado with both a baccalaureate and law degree and was admitted to the Texas bar in 1926. On April 21, 1927 he married Mabel Elizabeth Keeley (1903-1990) and settled in Edinburg, Texas, where he practiced law for thirteen years as a partner in the firm Kelley, Looney, and Norvell. In 1940, Norvell was elected associate justice of the Fourth Court of Civil Appeals in San Antonio, and was subsequently appointed associate justice of the Texas Supreme Court in 1956. During his time in San Antonio, Norvell supported the development of a law school at St. Mary's University where he became an adjunct professor. A contributor to numerous law journals, Norvell was also actively sought as a public speaker. In addition, he was a member of the Texas Masons, an organization in which he held several positions, including Inspector General Honorary.