Austinist Remembers "Gentleman Jake"

On Saturday, former US Congressman James Jarrell "Jake" Pickle died at the age of 91.

His was a legacy of extraordinary accomplishments. Born and raised in West Texas, Pickle went on to attend UT Austin, where was a champion swimmer and senior-year student body president. After a stint in the US Navy during WWII, Pickle went on to serve in the House of Representatives for over three decades.

When the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was delivered to the House, Pickle was only one of seven Southern representatives - all Democrats - who voted in its favor. The successful passing of this landmark legsislation forced the eradication of Southern Jim Crow laws, and served as the cornerstone for eventual federal laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace, schools, and businesses. More importantly, this was a huge step forward in promoting tolerance in a country that had become dangerously complacent towards segregation.

Pickle was also instrumental in delivering the 1983 Amendments to Social Security, ensuring that Americans would have at least a meager cushion to fall back on after retirement.

Locally, he was largely responsible for Austin's huge tech industry with the establishment of one of the world's leading semiconductor research alliances, SEMATECH. His initiative ensured that such technology powerhouses as AMD, Freescale, HP and IBM would retain a vested interest in our fair city.

Regardless of partisanship, Jake Pickle was from that altogether unlikely and rare breed of politician: he seemed to have a genuine compassion for and understanding of his fellow man. He conveyed an empathy that carried across party lines and reminded us that, in the end, we're all just trying to get by.

Viewing services will be held tomorrow at the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd. There will be a memorial service on Wednesday afternoon at First United Methodist Church.