‘Little Big Man!’

The title of this article is the same as the title of the 1970 movie, starring Dustin Hoffman. I have copied it, to honor a man who so fit that description, Judge Jerry McBeth.

This Saturday, there will be a Memorial to remember Judge Jerry McBeth, at the United Methodist Church in Nevada. The service will begin at 1 PM, and there will be a “Celebration of Life,” to follow at the Nevada Country Club.

The measure of a man can be determined through many methods. Sometimes we look at their physical abilities and stature. Jerry McBeth was by any method of physical measurements, a bit shorter than normal. For me, and many others, he always appeared just the opposite, “Ten Feet Tall!”

In the brotherhood of men, we have all been acquainted with certain individuals whose behaviors qualify them to be recognized as what I refer to as “little man’s syndrome.” Their demeanors are often difficult and unpleasant to observe and deal with. No one who knew Jerry McBeth ever came close to thinking of him in this manner. His presence as a real man was immediately, and unquestionably, accepted by everyone.

When I think of Jerry, I recall several vivid impressions. The first of these was what I described to his wife Susan, as that special “twinkle” that his eyes always seemed to display. Every time I met Jerry for the many decades that we were acquainted, that knowing smile and eye twinkle would spread across his face. It was as if he was always thinking of something humorous.

Jerry and I shared another accomplishment. We had both been schoolteachers in the early years of our careers. I always felt that teaching had made Jerry more insightful as an attorney and later as a Judge. No one can ever be a teacher for any length of time, and not also be a “people person.” Jerry fit that to a tee.

A few years ago I wrote a column about the famous fictional Lawyer Atticus Finch from the novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The next time I saw Jerry he told me that like many who decided to study and take up the Bar as a profession, it was Atticus Finch who inspired him. I think that his entire career in the law was guided by that desire, to be the most honest, fair and principled attorney possible.

Several of Judge McBeth’s friends and colleagues have also expressed some thoughts that are appropriate for this column. The first of these comes from John Flynn … One of Jerry’s favorite stories was the retelling of the day that the now Senior Judge of the District Court, Ortrie Smith, joined the Ewing Law Firm. Amos Wight, senior partner at the time, asked Jerry, “What did that young fella say his name was?” Jerry replied, “Ortrie … Ortrie Smith!” Amos thought for a moment then remarked, “I think I’ll just call him Buck!”

Fellow Nevada attorney and long time friend Bryan Breckenridge had the following thought about Jerry. “I think the thing I most remember about Jerry was his zest for life. He always looked on the brighter side. Even in court, he found a way to brighten up the mood in the midst of hearing some tragic stories. I admired that talent in him; he rarely seemed to let life get him down.”

Judge Ortrie Smith was, according to Susan, perhaps Jerry’s closest friend. Here are some memories from him. “Jerry and I were joined at the hip for nearly two decades. We socialized and worked together. I have not had a closer or better friend. Before our judgeship days, we fished and hunted together. There was an occasion in the ’70s, when we floated the Niangua in a canoe. Two days into the trip we tipped over trying to paddle to a gravel bar. I have an idea how it happened, but my lips are sealed on that account. The canoe began to fill with water and it was then we realized we weren’t wearing our life jackets. I discovered I could touch bottom and valiantly held onto the canoe. When I looked for Jerry, I saw him bobbing up and down and he was gurgling both water and air. I finally was able to reach him and literally pulled him up to the canoe by the hair on top of his head. He forever credited me with saving his life.”

“My second story relates for others the courageousness of my friend. He once had a case in Cedar County that involved some lumber that by court order was to be confiscated by the lending agency for non-payment. When Jerry tried to serve the papers the lumberyard owner tried to scare him off by driving the loader filled with wood right at Jerry. Fearlessly Jerry stood his ground as the loader slid to a stop at his feet.

Former Circuit Judge James Bickel recalled a funny golfing tale that involved some alcohol. “Jerry and his friend Dale Clarke (from Macon) were playing in the Country Club Member Guest tournament. On the way back to his condo his friend asked if they hadn’t actually turned into the wrong driveway. Unfazed, Jerry drove the cart through the back yard where he got it high centered on a stump. He then proceeded to yell at the girls … come down here and sit on the back of the cart we need some heavy weight back there! The cart was eventually moved but the women forever joyously chided him for his reference to their weight!”

There will be many more stories told about our departed friend this weekend. Whenever his friends gather to talk about Jerry, they are always smiling, because that was how he invariably managed to make them feel. Is there a better testament about a man? Yes, the Honorable Judge Jerry McBeth was not large in stature but to many of us he was bigger than life!!